May 2008 USPS Rate Change
FAQ
Please select your question from the list below.
- When does the USPS Rate Change take effect?
- Will a Rate-Pak™ be automatically sent to me?
- What is a Rate-Pak™ or Smartcard?
- What is SBP?
- When will Neopost ship my Rate-Pak™?
- What domestic rates are being changed?
- How do I know if my scale is SBP Compliant?
- I have not received my Rate-Pak™?
- Do I need to return the old Rate-Pak™?
- I have Rate Change Protection. Will I be charged for this change?
- I need to send a Purchase Order. What do I do?
- After upgrading the software, the meter still displays the old Postage rate of $0.41.
- Does Neopost have a Rate Change Online Help page for the various products?
- My IJ-25 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
- My IJ-35/45 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
- My IJ-40/50/60 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
- What are the International Country Code Group Listings for the scales and bases?
- I have an IJ-65/75/85 base with a dynamic scale. When I run oversized 1st Class Flat mail pieces, the incorrect value is posted to the mail pieces.
- I have an IJ-25 or an IJ-40/50/60 base. I loaded the Rate Card twice to ensure the correct rates were installed. Now I don't get any rates.
- I have an IJ-50/60 base connected to a MailManager II application. The reports on the MailManager II do not match the mail classes that were processed on the IJ-50/60 base.
- I have a Hasler Inc. scale or meter where can I find the rate change installation instructions?
- How do I store or modify the postage values on my IJ-15K mailing machine for the new USPS rates?
- How do I select the new Shape Based First Class postage rates on my scale or mailing machine?
Q: When does the USPS Rate Change take effect?
A: The USPS has announced a postage increase effective May 12, 2008. This means that you must update your Neopost scale or mailing machine on that date to take advantage of the changes.Q: Will a Rate-Pak™ be automatically sent to me?
A: If you have a Neopost RCP (Rate Change Protection) contract, a Rate-Pak™ or Smartcard will be shipped to you at no additional charge. Simply follow the instructions included with the shipment to install the device or click here to download the installation guide for your scale.If you do not have RCP (Rate Change Protection) contract, please click here and choose your scale for further instructions on how to obtain a new Rate-Pak™ or Smartcard.
Q: What is a Rate-Pak™ or Smartcard?
A: The Neopost Rate-Pak™ or Smartcard contains the rates and rate structure for the USPS and other carriers. Your Neopost Scale or Mailing machine accesses the Rate-Pak™ to calculate the USPS rate.Q: What is SBP?
A: SBP stands for Shape-Based Pricing. Instead of simply increasing the postage rates based on the mail class or weight, the USPS is now calculating postage based upon the size, shape and thickness of the mail, in addition to the weight. This new way of calculating the rate is referred to as Shape-Based Pricing.Q: When will Neopost ship my Rate-Pak™?
A: All Rate-Paks™ for scales, computers and mailing machines will be sent approximately one week before the rate change. You can expect your updated rates to be delivered a few days before the new rates become effective. If you have moved and have not notified Neopost, please contact us immediately to update your profile information so we can send your new rates. Customer Support can be reached at toll-free 1-800-934-2257 or the email support link.Q: What domestic rates are being changed?
A: Please refer to the USPS Rate page for information regarding the latest rates.Q: How do I know if my scale is SBP Compliant?
A: All new IJDS (Dynamic scales) that are SBP compliant have a round SBP Compliant label located on the top right of the dynamic scale. If your dynamic scale does not have this label you will need an upgrade kit to make your dynamic scale SBP compliant. Contact your local Neopost Branch or Dealer for more information.Q: I have not received my Rate-Pak™?
A: Rate-Paks™ will be delivered by the rate change. If you have not received your Rate-Pak™ you can contact Customer Support at 1-800-934-2257.Q: Do I need to return the old Rate-Pak™?
A: Yes. Neopost recycles all Rate-Paks™ wherever possible. A prepaid self-addressed envelope is included in each Rate-Pak™ shipment to make the return as simple as possible. If you didn’t receive the return envelope with your shipment, please send your old Rate-Pak™to the following address:Mailroom Services, Inc.
4650 Hickory Hill Rd.
Memphis , TN 38141-6815
Q: I have Rate Change Protection. Will I be charged for this change?
A: No. The benefit of the Rate Change Protection Program is that no matter how many rate changes take place in one year, you are covered and the rates module will be shipped to you automatically.Q: I need to send a Purchase Order. What do I do?
A: If our records indicate your company needs to issue a purchase order before accepting products or services, you will automatically receive a letter from us. The letter will ask you to mail or fax your purchase order to us so we can prepare your updated rate module. If you haven't responded to the letter, please do so right away so we can send your new updated rate module.You can mail or fax your purchase order to:
Neopost Rate Change Department
P.O. Box 1183
Union City , CA 94587
Phone: (800) 934-2257
Fax: (510) 429-6721
Q: After upgrading the software, the meter still displays the old Postage rate of $0.41.
A: The Default Postage Value for the IJ-25 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 60 base is still configured for the old 1st class rate of $0.41. Refer to the Rate-Pak™ Installation Instructions included with your rate change shipment for procedures on how to change the default value from $0.41 to $0.42.Q: Does Neopost have a Rate Change Online Help page for the various products?
A: Yes. Click here to access the Neopost Knowledgebase.Q: My IJ-25 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
A: The Default Postage Setting Value needs to be changed. Click here for instructions on how to change the default postage setting from $0.41 to $0.42.Q: My IJ-35/45 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
A: The Default Postage Setting Value needs to be changed. Click here for instructions on how to change the default stamp value from $0.41 to $0.42.Q: My IJ-40/50/60 still shows $0.41 when I turn on the meter even after the new rates have been installed.
A: The Default Postage Setting Value needs to be changed. Click here for instructions on how to change the default stamp value from $0.41 to $0.42.Q: What are the International Country Code Group Listings for the scales and bases?
A: Click here for the listing of codes for the IJxx, SM26, and SE17.Q: I have an IJ-65/75/85 base with a dynamic scale. When I run oversized 1st Class Flat mail pieces, the incorrect value is posted to the mail pieces.
A: The Dynamic Scale MUST be upgraded with the Shape-Based pricing hardware kit as the oversize sensor and base software must be updated. Contact your local sales office to order the proper SBP kit. Customers should not process any oversized envelopes in dynamic mode until the SBP kit is installed.Q: I have an IJ-25 or an IJ-40/50/60 base. I loaded the Rate Card twice to ensure the correct rates were installed. Now I don't get any rates.
A: Please contact the Tech Support group at 800.259.2678 to order an "old" Rate Card. On May 14th the new rates that were installed will automatically become active. These old rates will only be effective until May 13.Q: I have an IJ-50/60 base connected to a MailManager II application. The reports on the MailManager II do not match the mail classes that were processed on the IJ-50/60 base.
A: Please contact the tech support group at 800.259.2678 to order an updated Rate Card to correct the mail class report issue.Q: I have a Hasler Inc. scale or meter where can I find the rate change installation instructions?
A: Click here to be redirected to the Hasler Rate Change web site.Q: How do I store or modify the postage values on my IJ-15K mailing machine for the new USPS rates?
A: When there is a rate change or modification in the USPS requirements, the rates in the IJ-15K must be modified manually. You will need to change the postage values for your BATCH CONFIG settings.
- For postal rate information see www.usps.gov. It is the user's responsibility to make sure that mail classes and amounts meet USPS requirements.
- Instructions for modifying the postage values are on page 25 of the IJ15K User's Guide
- Go to the www.neopostinc.com homepage and click on Customer Support – Knowledgebase on the right side of the page. Enter "IJ15K modify rates" in the Search Text box and click on Search. Click on New - IJ-15K, WJ PRO - Storing & Modifying Rates from the menu and detailed procedures will be displayed.
Q: How do I select the new Shape Based First Class postage rates on my scale or mailing machine?
A: There are four basic steps to running the new Shape Based First Class mail:
- Determine Mail Type
- Select Mail Class
- Select Mail Type
- Process Your Mail
Click on the following links for detailed Shape-Based Pricing information and user instructions for your scale or mailing machine model.
