Postal service changes rules for shipping packages

Starting today, anyone who wants to mail a package weighing more than 13 ounces will have to either bring it to the post office or register online and print out a label instead of simply leaving the package out for pick up, according to a new mandate from the United States Postal Service.

Previously, only 16-ounce packages had to be brought in. The new requirement is "part of ongoing security measures," according to a USPS press release. Businesses that use postage meters will still be able to send packages of any weight without the stipulation.

The Postal Service has been increasing security since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but most of the practices have been interdepartmental, said Jeanne Wilson customer service supervisor with the Cape Girardeau Post Office.

This is one of very few that affects the public.

Wilson said new potentially hazardous materials can be less than a pound, so the government lowered the weight requirement.

"They just want to know, if something goes wrong with that package, who's on the other end," Wilson said.

In both cases -- bringing a package into the store and printing an online mailing application -- a customer has to give a return address. The post office requires a return address to send a package, and the online application requires registration in order to pay the shipping.

The exception for businesses using metered mail is because that business is already a registered sender.

Wilson said most people already bring in a package they think might weigh a pound because of the previous restriction and that the new requirement probably won't affect post office traffic too much.

Anyone mailing the package using the online Click-N-Ship option, must use the exact weight of the object.

charris@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246