Global Priority Mail Service to Expand
The U.S. Postal Service said last week that it will double the reach of its Priority Mail Global Guaranteed service next month.The service, offered in alliance with DHL Worldwide Express Inc., Redwood City, CA, currently provides two-business-day guaranteed service for nondutiable items to major cities in 18 countries and one territory in western Europe. PMGG was launched April 19 as a joint undertaking by the Postal Service's International Business Unit and Expedited/Package Services.
Beginning November 1, however, PMGG service will include destinations in 46 additional countries and territories including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, select countries in Southeast and Far East Asia, and the Caribbean Islands. The number of domestic postal retail stores offering PMGG service also will grow, jumping from 3,500 outlets in 11 U.S. markets to more than 10,000 retail locations nationwide.
Under the current pricing structure, PMGG is offered at $23 for the first half pound, with incremental increases based on weight to the maximum legal limit of 70 pounds. In many cases, the existing two-day delivery guarantee will remain in place, and DHL will continue to provide transportation and delivery from the United States to international destinations. In a limited number of locations, other day-certain guarantees will apply.
According to E/PS vice president John Kelly, the service has proven successful and its expansion is timely and responsive to customer needs.
"As these markets continue to grow," said Kelly. "the postal service continues to strengthen the obligation and commitment it has to its customers to offer a reliable, value-priced service to move important documents abroad."
