GREAT NECK, N.Y., April 17, 2007 -- On February 21, 2007, Marvin Makofsky, President of Conformer Expansion Products, Inc., spoke to the Greater New York Postal Customer Council’s monthly meeting. His presentation on the impending postage rate restructure attracted a capacity crowd, which included vendors and customers of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Scheduled for implementation on May 14, the new shape-based system reflects the fact that different types of mail incur different handling costs. As a result, postage rates for lightweight flats and parcels will increase dramatically—in many instances, 30-100% higher. Makofsky addressed the key issues concerning the new rates and what steps USPS customers must take to minimize these extraordinary rate increases. Companies must analyze the way they use USPS services and their current packaging choices. “Companies must learn to calculate total mailing costs,” explained Makofsky. “Some organizations divide responsibility for different parts of the mail process. Shipping supplies may come from one budget, while actual postage comes from another. Companies need to study all related costs to improve mailing efficiency.“ With the rate restructure rapidly approaching, USPS customers are calling the Conformer Expansion Products team for ways to minimize the impact of the rate increases. The team will speak at the following events: - Vermont / New Hampshire Direct Marketing Group, May 3 - Mailcom in Atlantic City, May 10 - Direct Marketing Association’s DM Days at the Jacob Javits Center, June 21 Conformer shape-based postage experts are available to speak to corporations and associations upon request.