2016 USPS RATE INCREASE INSTRUCTIONS

Transcription

1 2016 USPS RATE INCREASE INSTRUCTIONS Purpose: This update installs the 2016 USPS rate increase. Time Frame: The new 2016 USPS rates take effect Monday, Jan. 17, Scope: This update is for all Stores using Endicia, Stamps.com, or no meter at all. Who Should Do this Update: All U.S. stores, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here are your CRITICAL TASKS for this update: TASK #1: Download the 2016 USPS Rate Update file Seconds TASK #2: Run the file and unzip the rates into the ShipRite data path Seconds TASK #3: Change the name of Standard Post to Retail Ground. 1 minute TASK #4: Set your retail price for USPS Flat Rate Packaging. 5 Minutes TASK #5: Review the 2016 USPS Postal Rate increase. 2-3 Minutes PLEASE NOTE: ELIMINATED SERVICES The USPS eliminated the following products with the January 2016 rate change: First-Class Package Commercial Plus Pricing Commercial Plus Pricing (bulk package price discount) for First-Class Package Service (FCPS) is going away, leaving mailers with Commercial Base Pricing (single-piece price discount) for FCPS. Regional Rate Box C for Priority Mail and Priority Mail International This large box (up to 25 lbs) had flat rate pricing, depending on origin & destination (zones). Regional Rate Boxes A (15 lbs) and B (20 lbs) remain. Flat Rate Box for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail International Express After January 17, 2016, mailers will price Priority Mail Express by weight & zone. Changes to First Class Mail: The USPS kept rates for First Class Mail the same as last year, with the following exception: FIRST CLASS PARCELS: In 2015, First Class Parcels were rated from 1 to 13 ounces. Starting 1/17/2016, The USPS will add 14, 15 and oz. This update will include those weights in the SHIPMASTER but not the MAILMASTER. The MailMaster will be updated with the update that will be released on 1/17/

2 #1 Perform this update on your server. To begin <CLICK HERE> Click on this link to download the 2016 USPS Rate Update file. Download that file and Save to: Desktop. Task#1 is Complete TASK #2 Once download is complete, DOUBLE CLICK on the File Name and then click UNZIP. Do not change the File Name under UNZIP TO FOLDER. Leave as is. Then Click OK. Then click CLOSE. Verify the rates with the USPS Rate Charts at the end of these instructions. Task#2 is Complete 2

3 #3 From the Main Menu or POS, go to SHIP ONE. Look for the USPS button called STANDARD POST. Take the RIGHT button of your mouse and click on it. Select EDIT BUTTON. In the button maker, change the name in the BUTTON FIELD to Retail Ground. Click SAVE. And it should look like this: TASK#3 is Complete 3

4 #4 SET YOUR RETAIL PRICING FOR THE USPS FLAT RATE ITEMS: Go to the Main Menu. Click ACTIONS: TABLE MANAGEMENT: Master Shipping Table. Select USPS, and then on the left click on USPS. Then on the right, immeditealy click on Packaging. You will find COST /SELL already filled in for you. Click UPDATE NOW after every edit. Please note the SELL prices are the prices recommended ShipRite. You can move the SELL price up or down as you need. Please note that you must set the SELL price for Domestic, Canada and International by clicking on each of the radio buttons. You must now disable the flat rate packaging that the USPS has eliminated this year. Click on these flat rate packaging, then click on the DISABLED SWITCH: USPS FlatR Box Exp Side Loading, USPS FlatR Box Exp Top Loading. Additionally, you must DISABLE REGIONAL PACKAGING C TASK#4 is Now Compete 4

5 #5 Rate Increase Highlights The average shipping price rises 9.5% from $5.02 to $5.50. Priority Mail rises an average of 9.8%. Priority Mail Express rises an average of 15.6%. The USPS discontinues Priority Mail Express Flat Rate boxes. First-Class Package Service (a.k.a. First-Class Mail Parcel) rises an average of 12.8%. But, there is good news after January 17, the maximum weight for First-Class Package increases from oz to oz. Also, the rate for First-Class Packages under 8 oz. is a flat $2.60, which simplifies lightweight package pricing. Standard Post is now called Retail Ground, with an average increase of 10%. First Class Letter and Flat rates are unchanged. Adapting to the New Rates Here s what you can do to adjust your business shipping practices to the new rates: Consider flat rate envelopes and boxes. With the new price structures, flat rate will more often cost less than your own packaging. Consider USPS more often for packages under 5 lbs. Run some comparison in the ShipMaster to compare USPS Priority and Retail Ground VS UPS or FedEx Ground. Try low weight packages and lower zones to see the effect on pricing. For lightweight packages, consider shifting to First-Class Package Service. Your cost is a flat $2.60 for packages under 9 oz. That fee is marked up by your pricing matrix for first class mail. TASK#5 is Now Compete 5

6 Review the 2016 USPS Rate Increase: Shipping Rate Average Increases At-a-Glance Shipping Service INCREASE Overall INCREASE Retail INCREASE Commercial Base Pricing (CBP) New CBP Discount Priority Mail 9.8% 8.6% 9.4% 13.9% Priority Mail Express 15.6% 14.4% 17.7% 10.0% First-Class Package 12.8% N/A N/A N/A Parcel Select Ground (formerly Select Nonpresort) 3.1% N/A N/A N/A Retail Ground (formerly Standard Post) 10% 10% N/A N/A 2016 Rates for comparing your system: PRIORITY MAIL 6

7 EXPRESS MAIL: RETAIL GROUND: 7