A shortage in paper supply and a change from the U.S. Postal Service are impacting projects and timelines. To avoid significant delays and price increases, it is highly encouraged you plan ahead when requesting items to be printed or mailed. Ideally, building in 1-2 weeks more lead time is suggested.
In the domestic print industry, there is a shortage of paper supply. Internationally, delays in freight transportation time and an increase in fuel cost have caused a decline in the influx of foreign paper stock and an increase in cost. Printing companies, and our own Marketing and Communication team, highly encourage planning ahead on all jobs so our print vendors can find suitable paper stock supply or alternatives at an appropriate price. Envelopes and specialty items (napkins, other giveaways) are also being impacted.
On Oct. 1, the U.S. Postal Service implemented new standards for first-class mail and periodicals which may slow delivery time for pieces going long distances. Single-piece, first-class mail traveling in the same region will generally still have a two-day delivery timeframe, but first-class packages will be impacted by these new standards. The postal service has also temporarily increased prices on all commercial and retail domestic packages during the holiday season through Dec. 26.
If you need help planning your project or have timeline questions, contact marketing@smumn.edu.
