What is Media Mail?
Media Mail is a cost-effective way to send media materials through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). You can send books, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, printed music and other sound recordings through Media Mail as long as they weigh less than 70 pounds.

What is the Estimated Delivery Time for Media Mail?
It can take between 2 to 10 days for your Media Mail package to be delivered to its destination.

Changes to Media Mail in 2016
On Sunday, April 10, 2016, the USPS implemented a postage rate decrease, as a result of which it will now cost less to ship a Media Mail package.  Prior to the change, it would cost $2.72 to ship a 1 lb. Media Mail package which will now only cost $2.61.  The table below lists the decrease in Media Mail rates for packages weighing up to 25 lbs.

Save with Media Mail
If delivery on your shipment is not time sensitive, Media Mail can help save you a lot!  If you’re a Stamps.com customer sending a 1-pound package, it will cost $5.75 and up with Priority Mail (using the Stamps.com discount) and only $2.61 with Media Mail.  Using Media Mail in this situation will save you around 53% in postage costs.

For the second time in 2016, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be changing its rates on April 10th, 2016.  The good news is that this time rates are decreasing for USPS Mailing Services products. 

What Are The Changes?
Here is a summary of the April 2016 postage rate updates:

– First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.) rates will decrease from $0.49 to $0.47 when purchased at the Post Office. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– The discounted “Metered Mail” category for First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.), which includes online postage providers and postage meters, will decrease from $0.485 to $0.465. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– First Class Mail Flats (1 oz.) will decrease from $0.98 to $0.94. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– Postcard rates will decrease from $0.35 to $0.34.

– First Class Mail – Parcels available at the Post Office will also see a decrease and rates will start at $2.45 (previously $2.54) for a 1 oz. package.

Important:  While the Commercial Base rate for First Class Package Service for mailpieces weighing between 1 and 3 ounces is $2.60, Stamps.com has incorporated the lower Post Office pricing into its program!  So, instead of paying $2.60 for a 1 ounce package, Stamps.com customers will only need to pay $2.45.  To get this discount, Stamps.com customers must download Version 13.3.

– Media Mail rates will start at $2.61 instead of $2.72 for a 1 lb. package.

Why Are USPS Rates Decreasing? 
The 4.3% exigent surcharge that was granted to the USPS by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in January 2014 is being lifted.  This temporary postage rate increase was granted to help the USPS recoup the losses it encountered during the recession.  Since these losses are estimated to have been recouped by April, the USPS is implementing a postage rate decrease. 

No Action Needed For Stamps.com Customers
Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, April 10, 2016.  If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will see the new reduced USPS rates automatically.

Special Note:  If you want the discounted metered mail rate of $0.465 for First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.) and lower $2.45 Post Office rate for First Class Mail – Parcels weighing 1-3 ounces, make sure to upgrade to Stamps.com Version 13.3.

What is Parcel Select Ground?
Parcel Select Ground is a ground delivery service from the USPS typically used by large- and medium-sized shippers. The service includes free USPS Tracking and shipping rates are determined by distance, package weight and dimensions of the mailpiece.  The maximum allowable package weight for Parcel Select is 70 lbs.

Parcel Select Ground can only be purchased via online postage vendors such as Stamps.com or Endicia. If you are a high volume shipper, you can purchase postage directly from the USPS using contract services, however packages are required to be dropped off at a Destination Entry facility.

What is the Estimated Delivery Time for Parcel Select Ground?
Parcel Select Ground offers U.S. delivery within two to eight days, depending on the destination.

Changes to Parcel Select in 2016
Name Change to Parcel Select Ground
The USPS is changing the name of Parcel Select (Nonpresort) to Parcel Select Ground in 2016.

Rate are Decreasing in Zones 1-5
For packages weighing between 3 lbs. to 70 lbs. that shipping to Zones 1 – 5, Parcel Select Ground rates are decreasing by as much as $12.73 (20 lbs., Zone 5) per package in 2016.

What is First Class Package International Service?
First Class Package International Service is the USPS’ most affordable international service for the delivery of small packages to over 190 countries. The maximum weight for this mail class is four pounds, and delivery time varies by destination.

Does USPS Tracking come with First Class Package International Service?
Yes, USPS Tracking is included for free if a package is being delivered to one of the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

What is the Estimated Delivery Time for First Class Package International Service?
Deliveries generally take between 7 to 21 days to arrive at its destination, although the USPS does not guarantee delivery dates or times.

Changes to First Class Package International Service in 2016

28% Average Rate Increase for Online Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)
First Class Package International Service rates will start at $9.03 to Canada (previously at $6.39 to Canada) for Stamps.com customers. Rates are increasing by an average of 28% for Commercial Base Pricing.

Rate are Decreasing for 2 lbs Packages for All Country Zones
For packages that weight 2 lbs., shipping rates a decreasing from 2015 prices by as much as $2.41 (Country price group 8) per package in 2016.

Online Rate Discounts
First Class Package International Service now offers Commercial Base discounts of up to 5% off Post Office rates (previously 13%).

First Class Package Service is a fast, affordable delivery service for packages weighing up to 15.99 ounces. This mail class offers 1 to 3 day delivery within the U.S. and includes free USPS Tracking.

Stamps.com is printing the cheaper Post Office rate of $2.54 instead of the $2.60 Commercial Base rate for First Class Parcels weighing 1 to 3 ounces. To get the cheaper rate, you must download Version 13.3 at www.stamps.com/download/

Changes to First Class Package Service in 2016

Maximum Package Weight Increased to 15.99 Ounces
USPS has introduced a new maximum weight limit for First Class Package Service. You can now print up to 15.99 ounces when printing First Class Package Service using Stamps.com. Previously, the maximum weight limit was 13 ounces.

Online Discounts
When you purchase First Class Package Service postage online, the maximum discount off Post Office rates will increase to 26% (previously 25%)

7.6% Average Rate Increase for Online Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)
First Class Package Service rates will start at $2.54 (previously at $2.04) for Stamps.com customers. Rates are increasing by an average of 7.6% for Commercial Base Pricing.

Stamps.com Exclusive: Save $0.06 per package!

If you print First Class Package Service for packages weighing between 1 and 3 ounces, you can save $0.06 for each package. While online rates are typically  cheaper than the Post Office rates, prices at the Post Office were not increased during the January 2016 postage rate increase.

This created a unique situation where the Post Office rate for First Class Package Service packages weighing between 1 and 3 ounces are cheaper than online rates (Commercial Base pricing). Stamps.com has incorporated this cheaper 2016 Post Office rate into our program!  To get this discount, you MUST download Stamps.com Version 13.3