Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
October 26, 2001

U.S. postal increases likely next fall

Budget planners across campus should be aware of proposed postal rate increases for September 2002. The rate case was submitted to the independent Postal Rate Commission last month and involves a 10-month review process.

Under the proposal, a first-class stamp would go up 8.8 percent to 37 cents. Cost increases for nonprofit bulk mail classifications vary, ranging from 4.4 to 8.2 percent.

Mailing at presort and automation rates continues to be the lowest cost option for bulk mailers on campus. Qualifying for these rates will be increasingly important in controlling postage costs. Iowa State Printing Services uses address software and equipment addresses are inked directly onto mail pieces instead of affixing labels to help departments qualify for these bulk rates.

Printing Services' 16-page Postal Update fact sheet will be revised when the rate commission announces its final decision in mid-2002. Departments already on the Printing Services customer list will receive the publication. Call 4-3601 to be added to the list or to request a copy of the 2001 postal fact sheet.