Using Retail Ground to avoid dimensional weight

[nobody*s_perfect]

eBay recently issued a memo explaining that on June 23, USPS will make some changes in the way that they apply "dimensional weight" for packages that are over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches).

There are 3 changes:

1. Dimensional weight will apply to all zones, not just 5 - 9.

2. Dimensional weight will apply to both Parcel Select and Priority Mail.

3.  The divisor will decrease, from 194 to 166.

The link below for the new rates that will go into effect on June 23 shows that the expansion of dimensional rates will NOT apply to Retail Ground rates.  So sellers who are willing to trek to the Post Office can still ship at the regular weight-based rate for packages with a length-plus-girth of 84 inches; and at the 20-pound rate for packages with a length-plus-girth up to 108 inches.

https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/June%202019%20-%20Notice123.pdf

Some Post offices won't sell Retail Ground postage for Zones 1 - 4 unless ground shipping is required by USPS regulations (e.g., hazmat). Stock up on perfume samples so you can include one in your package.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@cottagewoman wrote: ... to top it all off, if you go to the PO and buy the label it's at the affordable prices it used to be when purchasing online!

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Retail Ground has not been affected by the new policies regarding Dimensional weight.  But many PO's are sticking to the official USPS policy that Retail Ground can't be used to ship to Zones 1 - 4 except for items that must travel by ground (hazmat, live animals, etc.).

[futurespast1113]

 But many PO's are sticking to the official USPS policy that Retail Ground can't be used to ship to Zones 1 - 4 except for items that must travel by ground (hazmat, live animals, etc.).

So all you have to do is throw a pre-packaged alcohol wipe in the box and now you meet the requirements and save some $$$.

[yqz-inc]

This is so infuriating!

I have contacted my local post office about this issue, and the clerk tells me that my shipping service (ShipRush) is overcharging me. My shipping service tells me they are getting their prices from the USPS server. The difference in price is often excessive!

I thought that being a commercial user of the postal service was a good thing, but this change is the complete opposite. 

My customers have 2 places to check the postal rates, the counter and the postal website, so these dimensional rates that don't appear in either of those venues makes me look greedy.

It is hard to understand why there needs be a two tier postal rate chart. 

[k.leigha.k]

How do you know which post offices are sticking to the Zone rule?

[pilgrimelectronics]

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@futurespast1113 wrote:

 But many PO's are sticking to the official USPS policy that Retail Ground can't be used to ship to Zones 1 - 4 except for items that must travel by ground (hazmat, live animals, etc.).

So all you have to do is throw a pre-packaged alcohol wipe in the box and now you meet the requirements and save some $$$.

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Effective with the proposed January 2020 USPS price increase, Retail Ground parcels will be subject to dimensional weight pricing, just like Parcel Select and Priority Mail.

[futurespast1113]

Well it appears that USPS is deciding to bankrupt themselves and price themselves out of business. It's ridiculous as it is to have to pay $48 to ship a pillow or lampshade from one town to another. Their shipping prices for anything that is over 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches is highway robbery. I guess they decided they don't want to ship that many packages over a cubic foot anymore.

Once Amazon relies less and less on using USPS and kicks them to the curb,  they are going to go broke and wish they kept their prices competitive. As a matter of fact I saw 20 box trucks on the road today in a row with the Amazon insignia on the side taking over the whole turnpike in the town where I live delivering packages. Mark my words, USPS will be sorry one day.