Shipping carriers routinely update their products, services, and rates. These changes usually occur at the beginning and midpoint of each year.
This article provides information on the types of rates USPS provides, the discounts you'll receive when shipping USPS through Stamps.com, and a sampling of the USPS commercial rates along with additional details about shipping using each type of service class.
Stamps.com offers discounted USPS rates for businesses of all sizes. All Stamps.com plans have access to USPS Commercial Rates where offered, plus additional savings on Domestic and International Priority Mail®, Priority Mail Express®, and Ground Advantage® (formerly First-Class Package and Parcel Select Ground) services.
The USPS introduced two rate changes in July. The first took effect on July 1st, followed by another on July 14th. Additionally, a recently announced rate change will be implemented on September 16th. Here is a brief summary of what is changing for Stamps.com subscribers who send using USPS:
Effective September 16th, USPS will adjust rates for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage. This means certain shipping and mailing costs will increase for specific ZIP codes. Rest assured, you’ll still get discounted rates on most services through Stamps.com.
You can find this image on the Stamps.com blog.
For more information on which ZIP Codes are affected by this update, please contact our Customer Support team at support@stamps.com.
Effective July 14th, USPS implemented the following changes to its mailing services:
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First-Class Mail® stamp will increase from 68 cents to 73 cents.
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First Class Mail® prices will increase approximately 7.8%.
Effective July 1st, USPS implemented the following changes to its domestic shipping services:
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Ground Advantage™: Prices will increase for packages under and over 1 pound, with some adjustments as high as $2.11. Cubic pricing for Ground Advantage will also see an increase.
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Priority Mail®: Expect a 5% average increase, with some rates going up to $3.10 more.
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Priority Mail Flats®: Prices will rise by an average of 4%, with some individual rates potentially increasing up to $1.18.
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Priority Mail Cubic®: This service will see the biggest increase, with an average jump of 10% and some rates going up to $2.97 more.
Yes! Hold on to your NetStamps! NetStamps printed before the July 14th rate increase are still valid for mailing. However, you must ensure the postage they represent covers the new rate.
To recap you can use your old NetStamps, but you might need to add a 5-cent “top-up” to reach the new rate of 69 cents effective July 14th.
Here’s how it works:
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If your NetStamp was printed with the old rate (that was 64 cents), it will only cover part of the new cost of the new rate.
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To make up the difference, you’ll need to create and print a separate NetStamp for 5 cents (the difference between the old and new rate).
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Stick both NetStamps on your shipment: the original 64-cent one and the new 5-cent one. This will add up to the current postage requirement which is 69 cents.
First-Class Mail stamps are going up by 5 cents, from 68 cents to 73 cents. However, when using Stamps.com, you receive a discounted rate of 69 cents.
For a complete list of USPS service rates, please see USPS Rates.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a new technology standard called Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) to modernize its mailing system.
What is IMI, and why is it required?
IMI replaces the older technology, providing the USPS with more detailed, real-time data on your mailings. This upgrade translates to a smoother, more efficient mailing experience for everyone and offers several benefits:
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Reduced costs: Eliminates the need to guesstimate postage, preventing overspending and returns
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Improved cash flow: Detailed transaction data makes it easier to track refunds and reimbursements.
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Always up-to-date: Your system automatically receives the latest postage rates and service information.
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Enhanced security: Robust security features protect your data.
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Increased efficiency: IMI streamlines mail processing for the USPS, potentially leading to faster deliveries.
What does this mean for you?
The good news is you don’t need to take any action. Stamps.com is already working diligently behind the scenes to ensure our technology is fully compliant with IMI by December 2024. As an approved USPS partner, we’ll make sure your mailing operation continues to run smoothly without interruption.
The USPS will be strictly enforcing existing rules that require advance proof of postage payment for shipping labels beginning August 1, 2024.
At Stamps.com, we’re happy to assure you that our service is already fully compliant with these regulations. You won’t need to make any changes to your current workflow when using Stamps.com. As an approved USPS partner, we handle all the details behind the scenes, ensuring your mailing operations continue smoothly without interruption.
The rate tables below compare the USPS Retail and Commercial rates, effective July 14, 2024.
Stamps.com customers enjoy additional discounts over most commercial rates, which will automatically appear in your account.
Fees and surcharges may apply to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Ground Advantage shipments based on the package volume and dimensions.
We suggest reviewing your shipping process to ship in the smallest box possible to avoid these surcharges. When shipping packages, select Large Package.
Flat Rate packages are not affected.
If dimensions are not provided or if dimensions are inaccurate: A $1.50 fee will be added for packages that are greater than one cubic foot in volume or have a box length greater than 22 inches.
Enter Dimensions to Avoid Surcharges
When preparing a package for shipment, if the dimensions section is present, be sure to enter the size of your package to ensure an accurate rate and avoid post-shipping adjustments.
When preparing a package for shipment, if the dimensions section is present, be sure to enter the size of your package to ensure an accurate rate and avoid post-shipping adjustments.
We suggest using Favorites to store regularly used package sizes to save time.
If packages have dimensions that exceed machinable sorting requirements, nonstandard sizing fees will apply as follows:
USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express
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If the longest side of a package is more than 22 inches but less than 30 inches, a $4.00 surcharge will be applied
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If the longest side of a package is greater than 30 inches, a $15.00 surcharge will be applied
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If the volume of the package is greater than 2 cubic feet, a $25.00 surcharge will be applied*
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Packages with missing or incorrect package dimensions that result in any dimensions-based fees, a $1.50 surcharge will be applied
USPS Ground Advantage
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If the longest side of a package is more than 22 inches but less than 30 inches, a $4.00 surcharge will be applied
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If the longest side of a package is greater than 30 inches, a $7.00 surcharge will be applied
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If the volume of the package is greater than 2 cubic feet, a $15.00 surcharge will be applied*
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Packages with missing or incorrect package dimensions that result in any dimensions-based fees, a $1.50 surcharge will be applied
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Does not apply to Media Mail.