The new postal rates are stupid, confusing, and going to drive businesses nuts. [View All]

[garybeck]

For the first time, the U.S. Postal Service will be charging by the shape of the mail

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- The postal rate increase that kicks in Monday is shaping up to be a big headache for many businesses.

Many companies say they are confused and frustrated as they try to adjust to the new rules, and some say mailings could be severely curtailed due to higher postage costs.

The new regulations mean larger envelopes and packages will automatically cost more than smaller mail. Currently, postage is determined by weight, unless it's an especially large or odd-shaped package that warrants special handling.

For first-class, letter envelopes, the allowed thickness is a quarter inch. If you go over a quarter inch, you run into more costly large envelope or parcel rates.

(and if you go to a "large envelope" you have to pay more too... http://www.usps.com/ratecase/)

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/13/mail.shape.ap/index.html