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Published in The Chronicle, the journal of the Great Britain Collectors Club. Reprinted by permission.

Domestic Pricing in Proportion Rates (2006-present)
Rates to U.S. (1968-2000)
International Rates (2000-present)

One of the challenges of the Machin series is interpreting covers from the period. The Machin series began in 1967, and from that time until today, there have been significant changes in rates, currency, wieghts and measures, and the kinds of postal services offered. Below is a summary of the key domestic rates in Great Britain from 1966 until the introduction of Pricing in Proportion in 2006. Please let me know of any errors.

Click here for rates after August 20, 2006.

Notes about the chart:

1. On September 16, 1968, Royal Mail eliminated the separate rate category for inland postcards and instead created the first and second class system which sorts mail by the quality of service desired by the sender, not by the nature of the mailed item. On the same day, they also adjusted the weight steps, making the first step 4 ounces rather than just 2oz.

2. On February 15, 1971, Great Britain adopted decimal currency. Previously, £1 = 20 shillings and 1 shilling = 12 pence. After the change, £1 = 100 (new) pence. On the same day, Royal Mail also increased domestic postage rates.

3. On March 6, 1972, Royal Mail again changed rates steps, this time going back to 2oz as the first step.

4. On September 29, 1975, Royal Mail adapted the weight steps to the metric system, setting the first step at 60 grams (slightly more than 2oz) and the second at 100g.

5. Between September 29, 1975 and June 6, 1976, there was no surcharge for recorded delivery added to a first class letter. Between June 7, 1976 and June 12, 1977, the cost for a first class, recorded delivery inland letter was postage plus 8p. Between September 29, 1975 and June 12, 1977, the cost for a second class, recorded delivery letter was postage plus 8p.

Recorded delivery label in use in 1980.

6. Between December 2, 1986 and December 24, 1986, the normal second class rate of 13p for a 60g letter was reduced to 12p.

7. On October 12, 1998, special delivery became a service that includes both postage for tranportation and compensation against loss rather than a fee added on top of postage. The minimum fee covered items weighing up to 100g and compensation up to £250. Effective April 7, 2005, the compensation for the minimum fee was increased to £500. Higher weights and higher compensation are available for an additional fee. The rates shown are for Special Delivery Next Day which promises delivery by 1pm the next afternoon. Also available (as of July 2006) are Special Delivery 9.00am, with delivery by that time the next morning, and Sameday, with delivery on the same day as mailed.

Registered mail was not included in the Pricing in Proportion scheme introduced on August 21, 2006.

8. Domestic registered and registered plus (compensation over £500) services were incorporated into the special delivery service on October 12, 1998.

9. Starting in January, 2004, Royal Mail compensates domestic customers whose mail is delayed three days or more beyond the due date. Compensation is 12 first-class stamps, or a check for £5 or £10 if the delay was substantial and additional evidence or proof of delay is presented. Compensation for the market value of valuable mailed items, up to £32, is available for loss of or damage to mail if the customer has obtained a free certificate of posting when the item was mailed.

10. The service was renamed “Recorded Signed For.”

Some information presented in the table was taken from “Great Britain Domestic and International Postal Rates and Fees” by Anthony S. Wawrukiewicz. For more information, visit Worldwide Postal Rates.

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Last update: Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Copyright © 2005 by Great Britain Collectors Club