Yesterday I went to a presentation at a PO distribution center. I was surprised that only 7 people had signed up, and even more that I was the only one who showed up.

Not just higher rates, but changing definitions.

Before May 14, the postage on US First Class mail was the same rate no matter the container (envelope or box). That's changed. The new structure has different rates for First Class envelopes, large envelopes, and parcels.

The postal service has also recognized UPS's wisdom of tying the cost to both the weight and size. There will be more than just normal, oversize, and balloon rates.

If you consistently ship using the same or just a few different sizes of containers, it may be worth your while to review them with the Post Office Mail Piece Design people. It could be cheaper overall for you to change from shipping in a padded envelope to a box--that's possibly my case.

International postal shipping will be simplified.

The post office apparently "hasn't decided" some rate questions, with less than a week to go.

Ned