New 2013 USPS Prices and Services
In a press release, the Postal Service announced its new proposed 2013 prices and services, which were filed today with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The press release highlights the impact of the new prices and services on consumers. click here for more information (PDF file)

Customs Form Requirement-Restrictions on International Mail Acceptance at Non-Retail Locations
Effective immediately, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not be able to accept outbound international mail parcels bearing handwritten or non-computer generated customs declarations (except at retail service counters at Post Offices). Please use the link to access the Customs Forms, http://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/ remember to clear your cache (Internet browser history) each time you complete a form.

No registration is required to use the USPS online form. End users must complete the form and print before sending it to Copy and Mail Services for final processing. This is a free form process and does not require log-in or postage payment. The postage will still be applied at the meter as usual.

Please note that the weight of the package must be entered on the form. The postage will be paid based on the accurate weight at the time the package is metered. If the actual weight is significantly different than the estimated weight, Copy and Mail Services will mark the correction on the printed form. Customs will verify the contents and weight.

SPAM Alert - Bogus Emails sent to Postal Customers (PDF File)

Springfield Processing and Distribution Center Change
The USPS Springfield Mail Processing Campus, made up of four buildings, will be closing the Processing and Distribution Center building (P&DC) and transferring letter processing to the Harford, CT P&DC. The change goes into effect on July 2, 2012. This may result in an additional day for a first class letter. For example, if you mail a first class letter to an address in Easthampton, MA it will take two days for the letter to be delivered, instead of one day. Please plan accordingly.  

IMb Fact Sheet
The IMb Fact Sheet provides a high level overview of the retirement of the POSTNET barcode and what mailers need to be aware of to transition to Intelligent Mail barcode. (PDF File)
https://ribbs.usps.gov/

Mailing Lithium Batteries - Domestic and International
Lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries are prohibited from being mailed internationally.

Shippers and mailers are advised that: Lithium batteries must be removed from electronic devices to be shipped in international or overseas military mail before the package is submitted for mailing.

Electronic equipment with non-removable lithium batteries may not be shipped using international or overseas military mail.

USPS retail associates will begin asking Post Office customers whether lithium batteries are contained in any international shipments for which batteries or electronic equipment have been declared as contents on customs labels.

The new regulation will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries or electronic devices mailed within the U.S. on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

Production/Automated Mail - POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation
Beginning January 28, 2013 POSTNET will no longer be accepted by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for production/automated mailings. The POSTNET barcode will be replaced by Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB). Please plan to exhaust (or destroy) all old stock and replace it with new barcode designs on envelopes.The IMB requirement applies to business reply envelopes and return envelopes used in production/automated mail. First class mail does not require barcodes. If you have any questions, please contact Copy and Mail Services.

Memo from Budget Office
Guidance on proper use of postage, printing and copying account codes -
click here for link to memo (PDF file)

Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Postage Memo

Links to important information provided by UMass Mail Services Department.
Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind
Contents Requirements Nonprofit Standard Mail

Smith College Buildings Street Addresses (updated Oct 25, 2012)
information here