there is a lot of confusion about this. From what I understand, there is a variety of mail called Critical, the new FRE rules are supposed to apply to this which is a commercial mailing class (businesses). Some PO's are interpreting the rules to mean ALL FRE's.
Rather than fighting with them, just use the new FR padded envelope - available now on the USPS website - I just ordered a bunch - they are free and you get them delivered to your house. They may have them at the PO but I prefer to have my own supply.
Here is the link to order them, you do have to have an account with the PO, very easy and free to set up.
https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10007166&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000002&top_category=10000002&categoryId=10000036&top=¤tPage=0&sort=&viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10007166]
https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/sto...WT.ac=10007166[/url]