This is probably the most confusing event to take place within the postal service since the 1830’s when postage was paid by distance travelled. In 2006 Royal Mail decided to change the system of postage by weight to a system rated by size and weight.

The basic rate is for a letter, covering postcards, household bills, bank statements and general letters. They must comply with a size of 240mm x 165mm, be no thicker than 5mm and not weigh more than 100g. This is then charged at the normal first or second class rate, which at the time of writing is 34p and 22p respectively.

The next step up, where all the confusion has derived from with the general public, is with the Large Letter rate. This rate must be larger than a letter but must be less than 350mm x 250mm, no more than 25mm thick and weigh less than 750g. This rate covers magazines, large greetings cards, CD or DVD packages and any A4 sized envelopes. The rates for first and second class are 48p and 40p respectively. These rates use different designed 1st and 2nd class stamps, which are a horizontal versions of the equivalent Machin NVI’s, clearly marked with the word “large”.

The final rate is the Parcel rate, which is anything bigger than a large letter and is the rate which can apply to either Post Office parcels or Parcel Force deliveries. Prices vary greatly, as a packet up to 100g costs £1.09 first class, up to £4.25 to over 1Kg.

It used to be easy to weigh an item for postage but now because it has to be measured exactly the process has become a lot harder. This is resulted in many more people using post offices to sort and price their parcels. When you consider the amount of post office closures in recent years, this has created a lot more work for postal staff, and the success and profitability of the system is in constant review.

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