The U.S. Postal Service will be changing delivery times for First Class Package Service in the coming months. The proposed changes are expected to create longer delivery times for parcels traveling to farther distances (Shipping Zones 6, 7 and 8).

First Class Package Service is an ounce-based shipping service with the maximum weight of 15.999 ounces. The service, which is hugely popular with apparel, jewelry and cosmetics retailers, provides package delivery nationwide within 1 to 4 days including tracking for a maximum price of $5.98.

The suggested service change will remove air transport for First Class Package Service delivery to help lower costs and find transportation efficiencies. Currently, approximately 31% of First Class Package Service is transported via air carriers.

In fiscal year 2020, the USPS shipped 1.8 billion packages via First Class Package Service. Of that volume, the proposal would impact:

• 32% of the total First Class Package Service parcels shipped in FY 2020 (primarily Zones 6, 7 and 8) would see additional delivery time, moving from a three-day service standard to a four or five-day standard.
• 64% of the total First Class Package Service volume would not be impacted at all.
• 4% of the total First Class Package Service volume would see a service upgrade from three-day to two-day service.

First Class Package Service delivery volume has increased in recent years due to its low cost and faster delivery times being very appealing to online retailers:

First Class Package Service Delivery Volume:

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