Parcel - April 2008 - (Page 37)

volume may be high due to large numbers of users. Consider a system that has a desktop module for users that ship infrequently as the user interface tends to be more intuitive. PC Postage is convenient as there is no physical postage meter, labels are printed on plain paper from your laser printer wherever you are, and it is available to anyone as there are no volume requirements. Stealth postage is another nice feature of PC Postage, so make sure the solution you choose offers this feature. A common problem of shippers is their customers complaining about handling charges. Stealth postage hides the postage paid on the label, which means customers cannot determine the handling charges, so it reduces the number of customer complaints. An approved Manifest Mailing System can be a solution you develop and certify or, better yet, a solution from an approved USPS vendor. These solutions do not use postage meters, but instead postage is paid to the USPS based upon the content of the manifest. Keep in mind, the minimum volume requirement for each manifest mailing is 200 pieces or 50 pounds, making this the best option for companies with higher volumes of mail or packages. The easiest way to participate in the Manifest Mailing System program is to acquire a system from a USPS certiﬁed vendor. This will ensure documentation meets postal requirements and is USPS compliant year to year. Look to the industry leader when making this decision. Other key features to look for in a USPS package shipping solution should include Interface to a dimensional scale for USPS dimensional rating; integration to a host (Order Management, ERP, etc.) system, which is critical to help reduce redundant entry of data, reduces errors and provides real-time updates (more important for packages); easy, automated end-of-day transmission and retrieval of USPS data, including delivery/ signature conﬁrmation information; conﬁgurable business rules to enforce corporate rules, customer’s preferences, etc.; accounting capabilities to track postage spend; and account validation, which is critical to ensure users are not charging to wrong cost centers. There are many other exciting changes — such as Certiﬁed Mail with Electronic Return Receipt, which is available for First-Class and Priority Mail — that are too numerous to list here. But the USPS truly is becoming a contender in the package shipping market. They have many services available, different technologies for delivering those services, and provide many beneﬁts over competitors. If surcharges are a problem or perhaps you have many users with need to ship packages, the USPS may be the right choice for your package shipping needs. Joe Ferrazzo is Director, Shipping Solutions Product Management at Pitney Bowes and can be reached at joe.ferrazzo@pb.com. ■ www.PARCELindustry.com Spring 2008 37 http://www.PARCELindustry.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Parcel - April 2008

PARCEL - April 2008 Contents Editor's Note Moving Forward Recycling for Safety’s Sake Want Some Good News? Negotiations Have No Finish Line... Lowering your Parcel Shipping Costs Meeting Industry Challenges New Pricing, New Opportunities Time to Track It’s Scan-tastic! 10 Recycling Facts The New USPS Law Changes New Law, New Opportunities for Package Shippers A Diamond in the Rough Seven Shipping Trends for 2010 ...and Beyond The Move Update Changes A Simple Shipping Solution A Case Study in Efficiency New Products and Services Industry News Advertiser Index

Parcel - April 2008

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