USPS Announces Changes to Certain Rates and Services
If you haven’t already done so, mark your calendar for August 28, 2016, which is when the United States Postal Service® is implementing a handful of changes. If you have questions, we have answers.
First-Class Mail Parcel Retail Rates Are Rising
What’s changing?
The Retail (Post Office) rate for First-Class Mail® Parcel packages weighing 1-3 ounces is increasing from $2.45 to $2.62.
Note: Commercial Base rates are not changing and will continue to start at $2.60 for First-Class Mail® Parcel packages.
What’s the new rate going to be for Stamps.com customers?
With this price change, Stamps.com customers will pay the Commercial Base rate of $2.60 for packages weighing 1-3 ounces. This online price is 2 cents cheaper than the retail rate of $2.62.
USPS changed First-Class Package Service rates back in January, creating a unique situation at the time where the Retail rate for First-Class Package Service ($2.45) was actually lower than the Commercial Base (discounted online) pricing ($2.60) for packages weighing 1-3 ounces. Stamps.com automatically gave customers the lower Retail rate ($2.45) when this happened.
What do I need to do to get the updated rates?
There’s no action needed for Stamps.com customers. We will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and the Stamps.com Online web-based version. You will see the new rates automatically.
Other changes starting August 28:
Priority Mail Express International service to Cuba will be available for Flat Rate Envelopes up to 4 pounds and parcels up to 22 pounds. Currently, Cuba receives First-Class Mail International®, First-Class Package International Service® and Priority Mail International® items from the Postal Service. Learn how to use Stamps.com to ship to Cuba.
Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes will move to the air parcel stream with access to tracking and insurance. Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes, which will still be limited to a maximum weight of 4 pounds, will now also be required to carry a PS Form 2976-A Customs Form.