Download the 2025 Rate Case Digest!
July, 2025 Rate Case Information Session Recap. Watch below!
July, 2025 Rate Case Q&As Recap. Watch below!
July, 2025 Rate Case Q&A Session Recap. Read the Q&As.
We're hearing rumors that the SCF discount will be going away in January and that marketing mail will be going to zone pricing. Any truth to that?
I did not hear of an SCF discount going away. The zone change is being proposed for January 2026. SCF rates are not being eliminated, but their discounts are diminishing. Zone pricing will apply only to non-destination entered mail.
You stated that you are not using the labeling list for pallets NDC. Does that mean the labeling list is incorrect now?
If mailing after July 13th, mixed NDC pallets (now called mixed working pallets) will not be labeled using the labeling list anymore. The USPS will process them based on the mixed status, not their entry location.
We had some questions regarding BPM. What's replacing BPM? Is it HPM, and will it be approved by January?
Yes. HPM (Heavy Printed Matter) is proposed to replace BPM parcels. It’s not yet approved and won’t be implemented until at least January. Marketing mail will be expanded to include some of what BPM previously covered.
Will there be new BPM rates in the July rate case if it's not going away?
Yes, new BPM rates will be included and updated in the software.
Will the CSM container level code for marketing mail mixed pallets still be "AG"?
Yes, “AG” will remain in use. It now refers to both mixed NDC and mixed working pallets, since the structure remains similar.
Can you confirm how Entry DB will handle EP assignment for MM letters and flats? Will it assign pallets only to SCF origin even if NDC points are not marked ignored?
Yes, it will assign based on SCF only and will exclude NDC entry points as per DMM rules.
When will the updated July 2025 rate case for Ignite-based mailing pack be available?
Hopefully by next week, though no final date is confirmed. Some Ignite updates are more complex due to the NDC changes.
Does DML (Destination Marketing Letter) now need the host piece to be addressed, complying with Plus One rules?
Not sure yet. That’s being followed up with the USPS. Currently, the timing/location entry rules are confirmed, but not the addressing requirements.
Have the new rates been officially approved?
Market Dominant rates have been approved. Competitive rates are pending. A rate delay is unlikely, though some in the industry have raised concerns.
How long is the grace period to continue dropping NDC rate mail?
USPS is discussing a grace period but hasn’t released official documentation. Watch for industry alerts.
When will BCC full service version with changes be ready?
The Mail Manager full service version should be available early next week or the following week.
Does the July 29 grace date for pre-July 13 pricing only apply to drop shipments and not origin entry?
Correct. It only applies to drop shipments.
Since NDC rates are going away, what rate category will those pallets now qualify for?
If you can sort to SCF, you can claim SCF rates. If not, the mail will default to mixed rates without destination discounts.
Will there be changes needed for saved presorts, Taskmaster scripts, MJBs, saved MD files, etc.?
Possibly. Most should be ignored if outdated, but you should spot check for correctness. Automation may require updates.
Were any weight, height, or pallet conditions changed in pre-sort software?
- Parameters/settings related to NDC pallets were removed (no longer applicable).
- Mixed NDC pallet levels have been changed to “Mixed” where applicable.
- Pallet height specifications remain unchanged where levels still apply.
- “No Sorting After” scheme blocks were updated; some levels were removed.
- Users should review job updates and contact support if needed.
Is Co-Pal a viable strategy under the new changes?
- With major changes, it’s worth re-evaluating Co-Pal and commingling.
- SCF pallets are especially beneficial for First-Class Mail.
- Benefits include better pricing, visibility, and delivery predictability.
- Consider adjusting SCF pallet minimums; smaller SCF pallets may be more cost-effective now.
- Making as many SCF pallets as possible will be beneficial.
What if the print job needs to go out is early next week? How should printing be handled?
- Don’t install the rate case until you’re ready to use it in production.
- If possible, install on a test machine first.
- Installing early could lead to needing a rollback, which is time-consuming.
- Sorting now for post-July 13 mail may be risky without USPS clarity on grace periods.
- Recommended: Begin experimenting by removing NDC sortations in current setups.
What’s the minimum weight for SCF pallets?
- Standard minimum is 250 lbs.
- Some local facilities may allow less (e.g., ~100 lbs), based on agreements.
- Applies across classes but subject to local verification rules.
Can a toggle be added to switch between current and new changes?
- Noted as an enhancement request.
- Some BCC products support dual environments now, but a toggle would simplify user experience.
What happens to Carrier Route Basic Rate? What are the alternatives?
- It’s removed from automation marketing mail.
- Mail drops to the more favorable 5-digit automation rate.
- Most BCC products already had a “prefer 5-digit” setting.
- Option was called “Prefer 5-Digit Auto and Skip BCR Basic.”
- Basic Carrier Route will automatically downgrade to 5-digit when not qualified.
When will the Window Book software update happen?
- Expected between the PostalOne! go-live and the July 13 implementation.
- No confirmed date yet; still under development.
When will future rates be selectable in Entry DBI?
- Expecting release possibly this week or early next.
- Goal is to release before July 13.
What happens if the new rate update is applied early and a pre-July 13 job is rushed?
- You’ll get pre-July 13 rates, but statements will reflect post-July 13 pricing.
- Could create confusion, especially in sortation/container prep.
Are there new rules for DML mailers starting January?
- DML will be labeled as “Plus One” on postage statements.
- Additional entry/drop date rules may apply later—but not fully defined yet.
- Awaiting clearer USPS guidance.
When will the new Notice 123 be available?
- Awaiting PRC approval for competitive products.
- Could be published as late as July 12 (day before rate change).
