Postal Answers

05/26/2021

This needs to be done - for all of us!

The best shot for Congress to pass comprehensive postal reform legislation just got better, with a bipartisan coalition of 20 senators introducing companion legislation to a bill soon headed for a House vote.

The Postal Service Reform Act, if passed, would be the first major postal reform legislation in 15 years.

04/28/2021

One of the most frustrating parts of the postal system is trying to understand the direct mail regulations as outlined in the DMM (Direct Mail Manual). An excerpt is found here:

3.3.9 Product Samples and Periodicals

Subject to the requirements in 3.3.1 and 3.5.4, product samples related to print advertising in the issue and are not offered for sale within the meaning of 3.4.2a and 3.4.3 may be included in a Periodicals publication as a page, or part of a multilayer page. Examples include, but are not limited to, a swatch of cloth; a paper towel as part of a printed page, or printed paper towel; a bandage; and fragrance, cosmetics, lotions, or edibles in packet form.

This is a manual for an attorney, not the average person. Still, the system is bound by these rules and regulations, many of which can be interpreted several ways.

That's why it is important to speak with a professional mailer like Do-Good.biz (612-789-7226) or the post office itself whenever you are organizing a large mail project.

08/12/2020

The post office is doing its job. Don't believe the naysayers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is prepared to handle an unprecedented influx of absentee ballots this November and any reports of the agency being overwhelmed or incapable are false, a senior postal elections official said Thursday at an event sponsored by Ohio’s elections chief.

05/06/2020

Many people are asking us about the future of the post office. Will the United States post office go away? The simple answer is "NO", the post office is not going away anytime soon.
It is a complicated story. That's the first thing I tell people. The existence of the post office is embedded in the constitution. With a pedigree so prestigious, the elimination of this institution would entail massive upheavel. More to come.

03/27/2020

When it comes to nonprofit mail, the more you know, the more you save.

When it comes to Nonprofit mail, the more you know, the more you save. The post office divides Third Class or Marketing Mail into two broad categories: Nonprofit and Commercial. There is no differe…

03/20/2020

Save time and money by following all the steps required for a mailing project!

Every mail project has the following components: design, print, list, mail prep, postage, and delivery. Any one of them has potential for error, so it is important that you think through each of t…

03/13/2020

The process is actually pretty complex.

I have to mail 5,000 pieces and I have 15 different versions of the letter. Every letter package is the same weight and thickness. I want to get the lowest possible postage on this mailing. How do…

03/12/2020

Last year was the anniversary of one of America's greatest achievements.

Yes, there's a stamp for that!

The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and man’s first steps on the Moon with two Forever stamps.

03/09/2020

Another feelgood story that we at Postal Answers love so much 🙂

FYI, it's behind the WaPo paywall.

At a Washington ceremony, postal workers honor colleagues who wound up performing dramatic acts of public service.

03/06/2020

Change of address can throw a kink in your mailing plans.

The post office will forward that letter to the new address ONLY IF the recipient has filled out a change-of-address notice with the post office. There is no cost to you. However, they will do that…

03/05/2020

Some fascinating insight into how the national Postal Service works.

EDITORIAL The Advocate-Messenger A lot has been said and is being done about improving broadband internet access for rural America. Developing internet infrastructure will be vital for the future of rural communities, in terms of both equality and economy. But there’s a different part of our infra...

03/02/2020

Highway mail haulers take note...

The Postal Service is changing the way it pays contractors for hauling mail. That in turn is changing the way those contractors will do business.