USPS Says Postmarks Not Guaranteed on Same Day
New policy could mean late fees for millions
The US Postal Service (USPS) has changed how it handles postmarks, and it could cost you big time.
Under the new procedure, instead of receiving a postmark on the day you put it in the box or hand-deliver it to the Post Office, the postmark will now reflect when they got around to handling your piece of mail.
USPS says it could be days before the official postmark is added. This could cost you in terms of late taxes, bills, legal documents, election ballots and numerous other important business in which a postmark matters. You’ll now need to go to the window and request a hand stamp on your mail.
The changes are part of its Delivering For America initiative that includes closures of many post office branches and modernizing infrastructure. While they say it is to respond to the decreasing volume of mail and increasing packages, some say it only adds to the hassle of everyday Americans.
READ: Local mail service confounds users, Congress
The USPS which has faced bankruptcy for over a decade, is again increasing priority mail rates.
The increase in USPS shipping rates goes into effect Jan. 18. Prices are based on the package’s weight and the distance it is being shipped. First Class mail will remain at 78 cents per ounce.
- Priority Mail prices start at $10.45 per package and $11.90 for a flat-rate Priority Mail envelope. They are expected to increase 6.6%.
- Priority Mail Express packages start at $32.50 and flat-rate envelopes start at $33.40. They are expected to increase by 5.1%.
- USPS Ground Advantage starts at $7.20 and is expected to increase by 7.8%.
- Parcel Select is expected to increase by 6%.
–Dwight Widman
