Complete Story
05/22/2019
Also in the News...
Understanding the 2019 USPS Shipping Rate Changes
Source: Christopher Vaughn, Mailing Systems Technology, May 21, 2019
As they do every year, USPS and all the major shipping carriers have rolled out rate increases and process changes for 2019. But in the case of USPS, this year’s changes are more aggressive than in previous years due to two major factors:
- The overall magnitude of the rate increases, which is larger than prior years
- The scope of process changes, which include a major expansion of dimensional pricing, and a move to zone-based pricing for First-Class Package Service (FCPS).
ShippingEasy’s E-commerce Seller’s Guide to Shipping Rate Changes analyzes the annual changes using the anonymized shipping data that flows through our software. Based on this analysis, below is a review of the USPS changes, their impact on shipping costs, and how sellers can mitigate that impact.
Rate Increases
Our calculations show USPS raised domestic package rates an average of over seven percent. Increases on specific services were generally similar to prior years, with the exception of FCPS rates, which saw a 12% jump.
|
Service |
Average Rate Increase |
|
Priority Mail Express (PME) |
3.9% |
|
Priority Mail (PM) |
5.9% |
|
Retail Ground |
3.9% |
|
First-Class Package Service |
12% |
These numbers are averages across all rate categories. This year, while Commercial Base and Commercial Plus categories will be offered for PME and PM services, the two rate categories will offer identical pricing. USPS will continue to offer a single Commercial rate category for FCPS, with FCPS Commercial packages being limited to no more 15.999 ounces.
Read more about shipping rate changes
The Future of 3D Printing
Source: Nigel Heywood, SGIA, April 8, 2019
It's no novelty. 3D printing has real applications for printers.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, will profoundly change society, from manufacturing (on-demand parts for consumer products, cars, airplanes etc.), to creating human tissue and enabling survival in remote locations (think Mars). At some point, a machine in the home will create food or consumer items selected from a screen. It will be as common an item as the microwave, stove or television.
Today, 3D printing is split into two distinct markets.
“Hobbyists” find the pursuit of building and mastering 3D printers a goal in and of itself. This is the segment that created the 3D printing revolution.
“Makers” are trying to use additive manufacturing to create real value products. This market will generate 3D printing’s social impact.
Examples of 3D printing in the marketplace last year included parts on planes (Emirates Airlines), automotive interiors (Ford), biomedical innovations, synthetic food in Israel, surgical prosthetics and military metallurgic parts.
Massivit 3D stole the show at the 2018 SGIA Expo by showcasing the ways 3D technology can be used to create unique, large-format models, channel lettering and backlit signage. Massivit 3D is looking to the future and exploring how signage should be viewed as a 3D object, not a flat 2D sign. By merging props and signage, the company has given us a glimpse of the not-too-distant future.
3D printing can seem a daunting technology. There are a lot of moving parts —software, hardware, consumables, design. The purpose of this article is to provide a starting point in your search to embrace the technology.
It’s a Sign
The industry needs to go beyond looking at signage as a flat, 2D medium and consider how 3D can enhance, improve and perhaps even change how graphics are viewed.
Applications such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage, channel letters, lithographic backlit images and even unique point-of-purchase (POP) displays illustrate the advantages 3D printing provides for smaller run, custom designs that cannot typically be printed or created without great cost. 3D printing allows the printer to enhance 2D signage, and to create custom displays for cosmetic, toy or any POP subject matter. A simple coffee shop sign can be 3D printed with a cup attached, ADA signage 3D printed with Braille lettering or a museum sign with 3D-printed dinosaur bones.
Read more on how 3D printing can benefit your company
The Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky Employment Exchange Report
Just a reminder. If you’re looking for new employees for your firm, check out the Association's employment links, including the Job Bank. Job seekers can post their resumes at no cost. Employers can review resumes for free or list their job openings for a small fee.
