posted on June 14, 2002 01:30:37 PM
I saw another topic about the new postal rates and it prompted me to start this one. I have downloaded th new postal rates, but I do not understand the zones. I like to put the postage amount in my description so there are no surprises and no haggling at the end, but I do not know how to figure out the zones. I saw there was a diskette version, but I really do not want a diskette of the zones, just an explantion. My husband says zone 8 is CA, but that does not make sense, if you live in CA and are shipping to CA. You would not be expected to pay that high an amount. Could anyone give me a simple/understandable explanation of how to interpret the zones for figuring out postal rates after 6/30/02. Thanks!!
posted on June 14, 2002 02:12:39 PM
The origin of shipment is ALWAYS considered Zone 1. The other zones are then determined by the distance from the origin.
Here is a zone chart calculator:
http://postcalc.usps.gov/Zonecharts
posted on June 14, 2002 03:44:39 PM
Years ago before the internet many people shopped by catalog from stores like Sears, Penney's and Wards. Most stuff came by freight services like the UPS and not the US mail. In every catalog there were zone charts for the buyer to figure out the s/h costs easily.
This new post office setup is very similar to that old catalog setup but with 8 zones instead of just 4.
posted on June 14, 2002 04:29:32 PM
Once you download a zone chart configured on your Zip code, You will see it is very easy to work with. Remember that any package 5 lbs. & under goes to all Zones for the same Charges. If you already have the rate chart you can see what I mean. I have been using the Zone chart for several years for everything over 5 lbs. I try to charge as close to actual costs for shipping as possible.
[ edited by sanmar on Jun 14, 2002 04:30 PM ]
[ edited by sanmar on Jun 14, 2002 04:31 PM ]
posted on June 14, 2002 06:24:38 PM
Thanks, all answers have been helpful, but this is going to be time consuming. I do not think people will be able to quote shipping costs in their descriptions unless the package is less than 1 lb. I am wondering why the post office cannot have a map showing these zones. I understand it would vary from place to place, but al least they would show the zones from the initial destination.
posted on June 14, 2002 06:30:28 PM
The USPS can't give you a map of the zones because the zones are completely different depending on your three digit zip code. You'll have to make your own map - use the zone chart calculator that lileor refers you to above, then get a list of three-digit zip codes broken down by state and create your own map (that's what I did). You can find the zip code listing by state at the back of the USPS's national zip code guide, available at any library reference desk - and presumably online somewhere, though I was unable to locate it.
