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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Post office's pricing enters new dimension
Question: New postal rates are in effect now. But what about the odd shapes? I read there's an extra fee for an odd-shaped envelope, but I haven't found information about what that is.
Answer: The U.S. Postal Service began its "shape-based pricing" on May 14 for first-class mail.
Its rationale: "This pricing recognizes that different shapes -- letters, large envelopes ('flats') and packages ('parcels') -- have different processing costs, and each shape will now have separate pricing."
Here are the new rates based on shape and weight:
» Postcards with a maximum height of 4 1/4 inches and maximum length of 6 inches: 26 cents
» Letters with a maximum weight of 3.5 ounces, maximum length of 11 1/2 inches and maximum height of 6 1/8 inches: 41 cents for the first ounce, 17 cents each additional ounce
If a letter exceeds the maximum dimensions, it will be classified a large "flat" envelope.
» Large envelopes with a maximum weight of 13 ounces, maximum length of 15 inches, maximum height of 12 inches and maximum thickness of three-quarters of an inch: 80 cents for the first ounce, 17 cents for each additional ounce
If the envelope exceeds these dimensions, it will be classified as a packageparcel. Large envelopes also must be "flexible, rectangular and uniformly thick." If a large envelope weighs more than 13 ounces, it will be priced at the higher priority mail rate.
» Packages with a maximum weight of 13 ounces and maximum size of 108 inches in combined length and girth: $1.13 for the first ounce, 17 cents for each additional ounce
A package weighing more than 13 ounces is classified as priority mail.
Additionally, all envelope "nonmachinable letters" are charged a 17-cent surcharge.
For more information, check www.usps.comrateswelcome.htm.
AUWE
To the men dumping tires from the back of a pickup truck onto Okana Road 7 p.m. last Thursday. The good people of Kahaluu are tired of cleaning up after lazy, uncaring lowlifes like you! -- Rich Vermeesch
You indicated you called 911 immediately to report the dumping.
The city advises anyone witnessing illegal dumping to call police and provide a license plate number, description of the vehicle and location or street address.
Check the city's Web site -- envhonolulu.org/solid_waste/Stop_Illegal_Dumping.html -- for more information.
AUWE
To the driver of a silver Nissan Altima that ran the red light coming down Nuuanu Avenue at Kuakini Street. A white van was in the intersection to turn left onto Kuakini when the light turned red. You had no intention of stopping even though there were several handicapped pedestrians on the corner waiting to cross. I hope your parents read this and know what kind of son you are. I do. -- David K.
Got a question or complaint? Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers