Important: USPS making changes to First-Class Mail International Flats
Jan 21, 2018 Update: Stamps.com has launched a new International Flat service. Get more info on how to ship merchandise with International Flats.
Merchandise No Longer Allowed in First Class Mail International Flats
If you ship merchandise abroad using USPS First Class Mail International Flats, there’s a new rule going into effect soon that you need to know about. Effective Sunday, January 21, 2018, First Class Mail International Large Envelope/Flat service for merchandise will NO LONGER be available from the USPS. First Class Mail International Flats will only be approved for use when sending documents. This change is occurring to comply with Universal Postal Union requirements.
Here are some examples of what USPS considers a document (still OK to ship using First Class Mail International Flats):
- Audit and business records
- Personal correspondence
- Circulars
- Pamphlets
- Advertisements
- Written instruments not intended to be resold
- Money orders, checks, and similar items that cannot be negotiated or converted into cash without forgery.
Here are examples of items that will NO LONGER be allowed to be shipped as First Class Mail International Flats, effective Jan. 21, 2018:
- CDs, DVDs, flash drives, video and cassette tapes, and other digital and electronic storage media (regardless of whether they are blank or contain electronic documents or other prerecorded media)
- Artwork
- Collector or antique document items
- Books
- Periodicals
- Printed music
- Printed educational or test material
- Player piano rolls
- Commercial photographs, blueprints and engineering drawings
- Film and negatives
- X-rays
- Separation negatives
These goods are dutiable and must be must be shipped using First Class Package International Service. Once this change goes into effect, shippers will need to include Customs Forms and the recipient could pay a duty or tax to receive the product.
Cost Savings Using First Class Mail International Flats
Moving from First Class Mail International Flats to First Class Package International Service will have a big impact on shippers. For example, here’s a cost comparison for items going to Canada:
|
Shipping Rates to Canada (as of Jan 21, 2018) First Class International Cost Comparison | |||
|
Weight (oz.) | First Class Mail International Flats(goods NOT allowed) | First Class Package International Service (goods allowed) |
Cost Increase to move to First Class Package International Service |
|
1 | $2.29 | $9.50 | +$7.21 |
|
2 | $2.50 | $9.50 | +$7.00 |
|
3 | $2.71 | $9.50 | +$6.79 |
| 4 | $2.91 | $9.50 |
+$6.59 |
|
5 | $3.12 | $9.50 |
+$6.38 |
| 6 | $3.33 | $9.50 |
+$6.17 |
|
7 | $3.54 | $9.50 | +$5.96 |
| 8 | $3.75 | $9.50 |
+$5.75 |
| 12 | $4.79 | $15.20 |
+$10.41 |
|
16 – 1 lb. | $5.83 | $15.20 | +$9.37 |
|
20 | $6.87 | $15.20 |
+$8.33 |
| 24 | $7.91 | $15.20 |
+$7.29 |
|
28 | $8.95 | $15.20 | +$6.25 |
| 32 – 2 lbs. | $9.99 | $15.20 |
+$5.21 |
|
36 | $11.03 | $23.99 |
+$12.96 |
|
40 | $12.08 | $23.99 |
+$11.91 |
|
44 | $13.12 | $23.99 |
+$10.87 |
|
48 – 3 lbs. | $14.16 | $23.99 |
+$9.83 |
|
52 | $15.20 | $35.39 |
+$20.19 |
|
56 | $16.24 | $35.39 |
+$19.15 |
|
60 | $17.28 | $35.39 |
+$18.11 |
| 64 – 4 lbs. | $18.32 | $35.39 |
+$17.07 |
Stamps.com Introduces Global Advantage Program
Stamps.com has introduced the Global Advantage Program, a new international service that lets you keep the cost benefits of shipping merchandise with First-Class Mail International Flats.
The Global Advantage Program includes these great benefits:
- Allows you to ship merchandise using a service similar to First Class International Flats
- Does not require Customs Forms
- Plus much more!
To learn more and to have the Global Advantage Program activated to your account, please contact your Stamps.com Account Manager or call 1-855-889-7867 today!
Don’t worry about IMI compliance with Stamps.com. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How do UPS drop offs work?
Drop off your shipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week at one of the 60,000 UPS dropoff locations across the United States. This includes UPS Stores, UPS Drop Boxes, CVS, Michaels, and Advanced Auto Parts.
How do you track a UPS package?
You can log into your app and visit your "history" page to view real-time tracking information for every item you send. You can also enter your tracking number on the UPS website to see tracking updates.
Does DHL Express deliver on Sunday?
No. DHL Express typically does not deliver on Sundays in most regions. However, Sunday delivery may be available in select areas or for time-definite international shipments with specific service upgrades. Check with DHL directly for regional availability.
UPS Worldwide Saver vs. UPS Worldwide Expedited: What is the speed comparison?
UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.
What are the UPS 2nd Day Air delivery times?
UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day. For time-critical shipments, you can choose UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., which delivers by 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or 2:00 PM (depending on destination) on the second business day.
What are the delivery times for UPS Standard?
UPS Standard generally delivers within 1 to 5 business days, with residential deliveries typically occurring between 9 AM and 9 PM. The exact delivery time depends on the distance the package travels and the specific destination.
What are the delivery times for UPS Next Day Air?
UPS Next Day Air offers guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or end of day on the next business day, depending on the destination and specific service selected. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery available in select areas for an additional fee.
USPS Priority Mail vs. First-Class Mail: What is the speed comparison?
USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.
Is UPS Ground guaranteed
UPS Ground tracking uses a system of scans to update customers on the location and status of their packages as they move through the UPS network. Each package is assigned a unique tracking number, and as it travels, it's scanned at various points, including when it's received, when it's transferred between facilities, and when it's out for delivery.
How long does USPS Ground Advantage take to deliver?
USPS Ground Advantage delivery time is typically the slowest for domestic shipping services, taking two to five business days depending on the destination.
