New 13-oz. mail rule is in effect
Comet staff report

A new Postal Service rule went into effect Monday for packages and envelopes that weigh more than 13 ounces. According to Carroll County Postmasters, the new rule applies to packages if they're being mailed with only stamps as postage at a location other than a Post Office retail service counter.

As of Monday, customers can use one of several online postage applications or an Automated Postal Center if they wish to mail items that weigh more than 13 ounces in Postal Service collection boxes or Post Office lobby mail slots. Online postage applications include the Postal Service's Click-N-Ship service on usps.com and PC Postage from an authorized USPS vendor. They can also leave items for pickup by their letter carriers.

"If a customer is unable to use one of these methods to prepare and affix postage," said a Carroll County Offices representative, "items weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method."

Customers will notice new decals on USPS collection boxes, and Post Office lobby and Automated Postal Center mail drop slots.

"The new red, white and blue decals inform customers that deposit of stamped mail over 13 ounces is prohibited," said the postal representative. "Any such mail will be returned Previously, the prohibition applied to mail over 16 ounces. The change is part of ongoing security measures established by the Postal Service, in cooperation with other government agencies.