[50mhz] Postal rates

[Peter Markavage]

See my response below at ****

On Sat, 12 May 2007 17:29:48 -0600 "Bill W5WVO" <w5wvo at cybermesa.net>
writes:
> Hi Pete,
> 
> Well, who ever said the US Gubmint ever made sense?  :-)  Anyway, here
is what the USPS website says about the Forever Stamp:
> 
> "In 2007, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Forever stamp,  which
will  always be valid as First-Class postage on standard envelopes 
weighing one  ounce or less, regardless of any subsequent increases in
the  First-Class  rate."
> 
> The key word here is what "First Class" means in post-speak. As far  as
I've  been able to figure out by context, studying their various web 
pages, "First  Class" refers specifically to letter mail originating from
and  mailed to addresses within the United States and possessions. Mail
services to  foreign  destinations are referred to as "Air Mail" and
other terms, but the  term  "First Class" is not used with relation to
any of these services. It's also interesting to note that the Forever
Stamp can only be  used within  the US by itself. It can't be used in
conjunction with other stamps  to make up  postage for items weighing
more than an ounce. This gives further  support to  the idea that it
can't be used to make up multi-stamp international  postage,  either.

**** The default "size" 1 oz letter mail envelope in the U. S. is First
Class and 1 oz is $.41. So, when you send a 1 oz envelope, it goes First
Class anywhere in the U. S. If you have a 2 oz default "size" envelope
going anywhere in the U. S., it's now $.58. You can buy a $.58 stamp if
they have them, have them print the postage stamp label for $.58, or you
can use a $.41 (the forever stamp) plus a $.17 stamp or have them print a
$.17 postage stamp label if you already put the $.41 stamp on the
envelope. The "forever" stamp has a current value of $.41 postage. I can
even put a "forever" stamp on a post card even though the postage for a
post card is only $.26. Remember it's the value of the "stamp" that's
important  If I was sending a Priority Mail envelope, postage now $4.60,
I can put eleven $.41 "forever" stamps on it plus a $.09 stamp, as long
as I applied the proper amount (or excess amount) of postage for the
particular mailing.

If I was sending a 2 oz envelope to Great Britain, the Air Mail letter
postage is $1.70. I need to apply $1.70 in stamps to equal this Air Mail
postage. I can put any combination of valid U. S. stamps in whatever
domination I want to equal or exceed the $1.70 postage fee or I can have
the USPS print me a postage stamp label for $1.70.

The stamps validate the fact that you have actually paid the post office
for mailing a particular envelope of a particular weight. All stamps put
on envelopes are canceled (stamped and dated) before they leave the post
office. Foreign countries could care less what type of stamp is on the
envelope as long as there is reimbursement between the foreign postal
services and the USPS for handling that envelope.

Remember, it's the value of the stamp that's important not that's it a
"forever" stamp or that it has no numerical value printed on it. All USPS
postal centers will know the value of the "forever" stamp when it's used.
It will either be adequate postage or more will have to be added
depending on the weight of the "default size" envelope.

This is the info I gleamed from their web site and from my own postal
office.
Pete, wa2cwa


> On a related note, non-denominated First Class stamps from the past 
> with a 
> letter designation on them DO retain their original value, which can 
> be read 
> from a chart on the USPS website. The chart does not include the 
> Forever 
> stamp, however.
> 
> In short, I think Bud is right. You'd think they would actually 
> answer this 
> rather obvious question on their FAQ page, but hey, who are we to 
> question the 
> US Gubmint anyways?
> 
> Bill / W5WVO