USPS is no longer offering First-Class Mail International Service for Large Envelopes & Flats

[greenlakesales]

This morning when I was trying to send a postcard to Great Britain I received an error says I was not authorized to use the International Flat Rate (around $4) to mail to England.  Doing some research I found this message.  

Even though First-Class Mail International Service for Large Envelopes & Flats (containing merchandise weighing up to 1 lb.) is no longer available directly from the USPS, Stamps.com continues to offer this service with some added benefits compared to the old First-Class Package International Large Envelopes & Flats.

The new rate looks to be about $11

Has anyone else run into this?

[deltilogical]

What is the weight  and actual size of your envelope?  

I am sending 3.5 oz postcards (!) to Canada today in a small cardboard mailer (4.5 x 6.5)  as Intl letter / rigid for $2.66 per the USPS:

First-Class Mail® International Letter**
Max. length 11-1/2", height 6-1/8" or thickness 1/4"

When I switch destination to the UK the price goes up to $4.98.   I usually bundle them in a couple of old rack cards in a security paper envelope or thin cardboard mailer.  So far as I know it has worked out ok. 

Thickness seems to be the issue I run into.

[deltilogical]

When I put it through at 3.6 oz it changes to $3.31:

First-Class Mail® International Large Envelope**
Max. length 15", height 12" or thickness 3/4"
Value of contents can not exceed $0.00

[greenlakesales]

I normally ship in a 9x6x.25 card stock envelope. Stamps.com forces the size to 9x6x1.  The weight is 1.2oz.  Did you try this today? It was fine the other day when I shipped one to the UK.

[deltilogical]

I was actually quoting the USPS Calculator today.  

I bet the issue is stamps.com assuming 1 " thickness- it is just a letter.  

Hate to ask - but is that system asking for customs forms?

[greenlakesales]

The reply I received from stamps .com:

Dear Tom & Laurie,

Thank you for your interest in using the First Class International "Letter" or "Large Envelope / Flat - Document" services.

To continue shipping with either of these services, we ask that you respond to this email acknowledging that “FCI Letter” or “FCI Large Envelope / Flat – Document” is only to be used for letters and documents, and not for commercial goods.

Please be aware that if USPS detects contents other than letters or documents, they will likely be returned to sender.

Please reply to this email with your acknowledgment, and we will confirm the reactivation of these services within 48 - 72 business hours.

Thank you,

 Stamps.com Customer Care

[deltilogical]

"Please be aware that if USPS detects contents other than letters or documents, they will likely be returned to sender."

Are they confusing Media Mail? 

Unless you are in China, it seems 'they' are making it harder and harder for everyone to conduct international trade.