A Meter Question: What Is Current Presort First Class Rate?

Two meter imprints I received in today's mail. While they using different meter companies (Pitney Bowes and Hasler) they were posted on the same date but at different postage rates of 34 cents and 36.5 cents.

Anyone know why the 2.5 cent difference? Do these competitor meter companies have a different means in which to calculate postage? Or could it be that one meter is updated with the January 22nd postal rate increase that hasn't yet taken effect?



Interesting that the lower amount was used on my utility bill; the higher amount from a government (Medicare) mailing. (On second thought, maybe that alone explains it!)

Based on this pricing assortment, I imagine that it has something to do with weight and/or size.











EDIT: Here is an extract from the DMM that shows the various commercial rates for first class -- I haven't found a simple explanation for the automation categories yet.

MAybe they are charged by zones? I know the new Priority on line system is by zone.

I think that table explains it! If the meters were automated by 3-digit ZIP Code the price is 2.5 cents more than if full 5-digit automation were used. It must all depend on ZIP Code sorting and/or the number of pieces mailed to each postal area. I'm not much into presorted first class mail, but just thought these different rates were quite interesting.

Apparently they are much more common than I thought.

Thanks for the help.