The USPS rolled out a major change effective January 21, 2018  this year that affects international shipments that utilize the First Class Mail International service along with the Flat / Large Envelope package type. This article discusses what is changing, how this will impact OrderCup users, and what alternate options are available.


What is changing?


The USPS is no longer allowing First Class Mail International (FCMI) service using the Flat / Large Envelope package type to ship anything other than Documents. For any content type other than Documents, the USPS will now require shipments to use the package type of Package. 


This change in package type requirements can result in a significant price increase in the  shipping rate -  often as much as  $7 or $8 per shipment.. To address the impact of this change on shippers, the USPS has created the ,Global Advantage Program (GAP). which will allow users to continue to select the package type of Large Envelope/Flat with a content type other than Documents. OrderCup will automatically enroll all OrderCup Account holders in GAP.


BENEFITS FOR ORDERCUP USERS:


  • Savings of up to 65%  over the USPS FCMI /  Package shipping cost.
  • No need to print the Customs Declarations forms.
  • No need to change your shipping process in OrderCup to handle the USPS FCMI /  Package requirements.



What is the Global Advantage Program?


Any label created through OrderCup that meets the following criteria will be a Global Advantage Program (GAP) label: 

  • Service = USPS First Class Mail Int'l 
  • Package type = Large Envelope/Flat
  • Package Contents = anything other than Documents



The labels generated for these shipments will be domestic labels that send the packages to the nearest international sorting facility, where the packages will be relabeled and forwarded to their final, international destination. ( the customs forms are printed by the international shipping center.)

Here is an example of what the label provided through OrderCup will look like (the customer name, company, province, and country code are provided on the bottom right of the label):



Here is a break-down of what happens once Create Label is clicked in OrderCup:


  1. OrderCup prints a domestic label (as shown in the image with a barcode for USPS and an international tracking number*)
  2. OrderCup submits the Customs Declarations to Endicia electronically.  
  3. Sorting facility staff relabels the package, for international shipping. (the customs forms are printed by the international shipping center)
  4. International carrier ships the package to its final destination. The tracking number is usable throughout the entire process.



How do I use the Global Advantage Program in OrderCup?


OrderCup users do not have to take any steps to participate in the Global Advantage program, and no changes need to be made to your existing workflows. Starting March 15, 2018, this change will take place automatically and all labels created selecting First class mail with a package type of FLAT will be GAP labels. 

If you do wish to participate in the Global Advantage Program, be sure to start selecting First class mail with a package type of FLAT from the package type drop-down menu when shipping via USPS First Class Mail International beginning March, 2018. 


Here are some examples of a Flat.


The weight limit for a First-Class Mail International large envelope (flat) is 4 pounds. Large envelopes (flats) must meet the following dimensions and characteristics:

1. More than 11 and 1/2 inches long or 6 and 1/8 inches high or 1/4 inch thick.

2. Not more than 15 inches long or 12 inches high or 3/4-inch thick.

3. Flexible and Rectangular.

4. Uniform thikness