Method and system for metering mixed weight mail pieces at an increased average rate

Abstract

A method for printing indicia on mailpieces at an increased average speed. The system includes: a postal scale for determining a postage amount for a mail piece; a printer; and a postage meter responsive to the postal scale to control the printer to print an indicium representative of the postage amount. The postage meter further includes: a programmable controller; a secure mechanism for accounting for postage amounts expended; and an indicia generator. The programmable controller is programmed in accordance with the method of the present invention to: respond to a first signal from the postal scale to generate an indicium representative of the last used amount; and, if the determined postage amount equals the last used amount, respond to a second signal representative of the determined postage amount to print the indicium representative of the last used postage amount; and, if the determined postage amount is not equal to the last used postage amount, respond to the second signal to delete the indicium representative of the last used postage amount; generate an indicium representative of the determined postage amount; and print the indicium representative of the determined postage amount on the mail piece.