Someone posted in the P.O. forum about a new rule going into effect on July 30th, that STAMPED packages greater than 13 ounces will no longer be allowed in a mail drop box.

Well, I mailed a book last Friday which weighed 13.5 ounces and it was just returned to me with a note from the postmaster saying that it weighed more than 13 ounces and was not allowed.

So be aware that this rule has already gone into effect, at least in my community (Massachusetts).

-Deb

edited to clarify that it is Stamped packages; if you buy postage, this rule does not apply.

Actually, it's STAMPED packages greater than 13 ounces. (As in, lots of standard stamps to make the total postage.) Folks who purchase APC or other traceable postage can still drop their packages in the blue boxes.

Yes, you are right, Jane.  Thanks for the clarification!

Deb

You're welcome! Didn't want to start a stampede at the post office unless it was absolutely necessary! :)

Uh oh.  I think I drop mailed one the morning that was very slightly over.  Hopefully my PO hasn't put the rule in effect yet.

I thought that rule was in affect for a while now.

The wrapper still prints "All packages over 16 oz must be mailed from the PO"

Check if you have a local PO with lobby open 24 hours.  We have one in my town, so I can go late at night and drop my packages in their slots and there is one for larger ones - never had any returned. 

Interesting - I wonder how much money it will cost to change all the labels on the blue boxes that state 16 ounces? 

Make that $16 per month I pay for Stamps.com worth every penny :-)

Buying postage through Paypal will also let you drop them in the blue box, and it doesn't cost anything!

Ok, help me out guys - how do I go about buying my postage through paypal?

I don't know how to do that either, but I may have to start doing it.  Sigh.

Someone post instructions on how to do it, please?

I don't have my account password with me, but here's a start. It's under the "Auction tools" tab, then click on shipping. There is a long info page about the shipping and a link is somewhere in the text. It works, but personally I think the interface is rather clunky. Use the "help" option at the top, and you should be OK. I printed the postage onto plain paper, cut it to size and then taped it onto my package. I taped over with packing tape the time that I used it, and it worked just fine.

I hope this gets you started...

go here https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-now and log into your paypal account - it takes you right to the ship now page

Ok, next question - how do I get PBS DC with online postage purchase?