What's in the Postal Pipeline ...

OPENING MORE DOORS EVERY DAY

Some changes will be announced April 19 to Every Door Direct Mail requirements to create more opportunities for mailers. The length dimension applied to flats will be changed, effective May 7, from greater than 11 1/2 inches to greater than 10 1/2 inches (Standard Mail simplified addressing only, optional for rural route mail entered at BMEUs). This means that to be mailable as a Standard Mail simplified address flat, a piece must have a dimension greater than ONE (not necessarily all) of the following: greater than 10 1/2 inches long OR greater than 6 1/8 inches high OR greater than 1/4 inch thick. This change will make it possible for more types of mailpieces to qualify as Every Door Direct Mail, including flats like menus and door-hangers that are typically distributed to neighborhoods by other means than mail delivery.

Also, for the first time, mailers will have the option of sending Every Door Direct Mail to routes composed entirely of businesses. And addressing requirements will be simplified for Every Door Direct Mail entered at the BMEU. Bottom line: these changes will help build volume by meeting our customers’ needs.

Reminder: Customers can ship Every Door Direct Mail Retail to a destinating office using Priority Mail rather than enter the mailing in person, and they can request Carrier Pickup. 


GREETINGS TO WALMART     

Walmart is putting USPS shipping, electronic manifesting and package pickup to the test. Beginning April 25, the nation’s largest retailer will offer Priority Mail as an option to customers who want to ship items purchased at certain stores. Initially, the test will involve packages originating from 15 Walmart locations, with plans to expand to an additional 35 stores. Postage payment will be through the Electronic Verification System. Carrier Pickup will be an important part of the test.

SCULPTING OUR ADS     

What will be the message in the next USPS integrated advertising campaign? Testing and development work is now under way, and you can expect enhanced and improved tracking capabilities to figure prominently in a future ad campaign, as well as Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes. Look for new TV and print ads, direct mail, Web banners and email blasts later this year.

Source:  The Product Line