NEW USPS First Class Mail EXPLAINED SAVE $$$$

Since the new USPS First Class Mail Charges and with it New Categories and New Surcharges, came into force in May 2008, there has been chaos all over the USA with regards to the interpretation of the charges. The main problem, is that most people including the majority of USPS staff, don't know the regulation and enforce it with massive irregularity, not only state to state, but also from city to city, from one postal district to another.
If you ship items that are light (under 3.5 ounces) and under 1/4'' thick, but uneven, you have probably have been charged the First Class Package Rate.....WRONG. The rules, quite clearly state, if the item is under 3.5 ounces and under 1/4'' in thickness, wether it's Uneven or even RIGID, it can go First Class Letter, plus the 20 cents NON MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE. Under 3.5 ounces, it doesn't have to be flexible, which is what nearly ALL USPS employees try to tell you. It can be RIGID, as long as it meets the TWO criteria as mentioned previously, it must be under 3.5 ounces and be under 1/4'' thick.
This new charge could have cost me Thousands, had I not stuck to my guns and made USPS staff give me what is righfully mine under their rules and not some staff members mis-interpretation of those rules.
I send out approx. 500 packages of LED's a week, they can vary from 1 to 3 ounces in weight and are always uneven and semi-rigid. They are always shipped in a 6'' x 9'' Kraft Envelope. I now pay First Class Mail Letter Rate PLUS the 20 cents NON MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE. Not the $ 1.17 USPS wanted to charge me for a1 ounce item. Saving me 55 cents per item....you do the math.
The following quote is taken from the USPS website and has not been edited in any way......'Letters are subject to a $0.20 surcharge if they are square, rigid or have certain nonmachinable characteristics.' and if it is under 3.5 ounces and less than 1/4'' thick.....IT IS A LETTER.