Which is the correct approach to calculating postage for a mixed-service shipment at the window?

Which is the correct approach to calculating postage for a mixed-service shipment at the window?

• A. Estimate the total by weight only.
• B. Apply the same rate to all pieces.
• C. Determine service and weight for each piece, then apply the correct rate and sum the totals.
• D. Use the cheapest rate regardless of service.

Answer: (C)

When calculating postage for a mixed-service shipment, price each item by its own service and weight, then add the results. Different pieces may go by different services (such as First-Class, Priority, etc.) and have different weights, so rates vary. The clerk applies the correct rate to each piece based on its service and weight, then sums those amounts to get the total. This approach ensures each piece is charged appropriately for the service it actually travels under. Using a single rate or the cheapest rate regardless of service would misprice items and miss the required service for some pieces.

When calculating postage for a mixed-service shipment, price each item by its own service and weight, then add the results. Different pieces may go by different services (such as First-Class, Priority, etc.) and have different weights, so rates vary. The clerk applies the correct rate to each piece based on its service and weight, then sums those amounts to get the total. This approach ensures each piece is charged appropriately for the service it actually travels under. Using a single rate or the cheapest rate regardless of service would misprice items and miss the required service for some pieces.