The United States Postal Services (USPS) offers a wide variety of postage rates to meet a wide range of mail characteristics and delivery options. This blog article discusses the Presort Standard and Presort First Class postage rates used for the targeted direct mail services offered on this website.
Cost
There are many differences between Standard and First Class postage, but most striking are cost and delivery time. Standard postage cost significantly less than First Class postage, up to $.20 less each for a typical postcard or letter when all USPS bulk mail discount qualifications and specifications are met.
Delivery time
USPS guidelines are to allow 1-3 business days for delivery of First Class postage while guidelines for Standard postage is to allow up to 10 business days. Standard postage will also not be forwarded or returned to sender if undeliverable
Data Processing
The USPS licenses and approves data management software that, when properly used, enables the mail house to print, sort, bundle, tray and deliver the mail to a post office already in sequence delivery for the local postal carrier. The presorting of the mail at the printer saves the USPS time and money and a portion of the cost savings are passed on to the customer in the form of lower rates for qualifying Presorted Standard and Presorted First Class postage. As of April 2015, Presort Standard rates range from $0.265 to $0.305 each with Presorted First Class rates from $0.385 to $0.445 (versus the current $0.49 for a First Class postage stamp) for qualifying letters and postcards.
Links for more information
Postal software CASS, PAVE & NCOA http://www.melissadata.com/dm/mailing-software/mailers.htm