2024 USPS Rate and Service Changes

March 28th, 2024 Comments off

Welcome to our United States Postal Service Updates blog, your guide to the changing postal scene. Here, we’ll share the latest news and rate updates from the USPS. Dive in as we break down the 2024 updates. 

New Mailing Technology Requirements from USPS

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 and provides the USPS with more detailed and real-time data on your mailings. This translates to a smoother and more efficient mailing experience for everyone. Upgrading offers several benefits:

  • Reduced costs: Eliminates the need to guesstimate postage, preventing overspending and returns.
  • Improved cash flow: Detailed transaction data makes it easier to track refunds and reimbursements.
  • Always up-to-date: Your system automatically receives the latest postage rates and service information.
  • Enhanced security: Robust security features protect your data.
  • 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 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.

January 2024 Service Changes

Effective January 21st, the USPS is rolling out changes to its shipping rates, which will impact various services and package categories. Stamps remains committed to delivering top-notch service to its customers and is happy to announce that, through our partnership with USPS, customers can now enjoy enhanced discounts on Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage Rates™ compared to Commercial Plus rates.

Here’s an overview of the modifications and how they might impact your shipping and mailing strategies.

Ground Advantage™

  • Ground Advantage™ under 1 pound: Up to 6.6% off
  • Ground Advantage™ over 1 pound: Up to 25.1% off
  • Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Up to 21.2% off

As a reminder, Ground Advantage™ was introduced in July of 2023. This service combines USPS Retail Ground, USPS Parcel Select Ground, and USPS First Class Package Services. The January 21st changes will apply to all weights, zones, and cubic dimensions over 12 ounces using Ground Advantage™.

Priority Mail®

  • Priority Mail 6-10 pounds: Up to 12% off
  • Priority Mail Flat Rate: Up to 2.5% off
  • Priority Mail Cubic: Up to 15.8% off

So where will you see the biggest changes? The short answer: it depends. Exact rates will vary depending on the package details and how far it’s traveling. As always, we recommend comparing rates and services to find the best option for your business. 

Mailing Services

The cost of sending a 1 oz. First Class Mail letter will increase from 66 cents to 68 cents. However, if you use Stamps.com, the Metered Mail rate for the same letter will only go up from 63 cents to 64 cents, saving you $0.04 compared to the retail rate.

USPS Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Label Changes

While the primary focus of this rate adjustment is on shipping rates, it’s crucial to be aware of unrelated changes to HAZMAT labels. Starting January 21st, USPS is enhancing safety measures for handling dangerous goods shipments. The HAZMAT labels will now feature an oversized letter “H” in the corner, the addition of 2D barcodes, and the inclusion of the word “HAZMAT” after “USPS TRACKING #.” Shippers need not take any specific action other than selecting hazardous goods under special services when printing a label when a shipment contains hazardous materials. For more information check out our HAZMAT updates blogs.

Insurance Rate Updates

In addition to the rate adjustments, Stamps.com users should be aware of an increase in their insurance rates. However, depending on your service plan, you could enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 40% compared to USPS insurance rates.

Enhance Your Efficiency

Despite these changes, Stamps.com continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89%* through its partnership with USPS and other carriers. We aim to streamline your shipping and mailing operations, providing discounted rates for a smooth sending process.

As the shipping landscape evolves, staying informed about rate changes and adjusting your strategy accordingly can contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective shipping experience. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments. For more information check out our help center article.

*Rates are limited to shipping from the continental U.S. only. These rates and discounts exclude shipment origins from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.

Save Over $3 Per Package With Regional Rate Boxes

July 17th, 2015 Comments off

With Dimensional (DIM) Weight being applied for all UPS and FedEx Ground packages, USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes provide a cost effective option to ship products across the U.S.  The USPS provides three different types of Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes:  Box A with a weight limit of 15 lbs., Box B with a weight limit of 20 lbs. and Box C with a weight limit of 25 lbs.

The Benefits of Regional Rate Boxes

There are many advantages to using USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes:

No DIM Weight: DIM Weight does not apply to Regional Rate Boxes.  That means you need not worry about the dimensions of the Regional Rate box you choose.  As long as your item is below the weight limit for the Regional Rate Box you choose, you simply need to find the rate that applies to your shipping zone. 

Listed below is the 2015 USPS Commercial Base (online postage) pricing for Regional Rate Boxes.  An additional $0.75 fee applies if you purchase Regional Rate postage at the Post Office.

RR Pricing

Low Costs Nationwide: Regional Rate Boxes provide a cost effective alternative to using Regular Priority Mail or Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes.  With dimensions almost similar to that of a Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box, Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A can save you up to $3.55 per package.  When shipping multiple packages every day, these savings can really add up!  See a cost savings example below – USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A provides the lowest cost option to ship a 3 lb. package from Los Angeles to New York (Zone 8 shipment).

Regional Rates 599

No Cost To Purchase Regional Rate Boxes: The USPS provides Regional Rate Boxes for free and you do not need to pay anything extra to use any of these boxes for your shipments.  Pick up your free Regional Rate boxes at the Post Office or visit usps.com to order them online.

Shipping Regional Rate Boxes With Stamps.com

Stamps.com customers can easily print Priority Mail Regional Rate shipping labels.  Once the destination address is inputted, Stamps.com automatically determines the correct zone-based pricing for your package by instantly accessing the USPS database, preventing you from ever overpaying or underpaying the shipping fee.

You can even order your free Regional Rate Boxes from within Stamps.com.  Simply log in to your Stamps.com account, click on “Store” and click on “Free USPS Supplies.”  The USPS will send the free Priority Mail Regional Rate boxes right to your door!

Regional Rate Boxes & APO/FPO Customs Forms Now Available

September 24th, 2014 Comments off

Stamps.com is pleased to announce the launch of Version 8.9 — a free upgrade for Stamps.com customers! Here are some of the key new features included:

#1 Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
Stamps.com now has  the ability to print shipping labels for Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A and Box B. Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes are a great way for package shippers to lower their costs.  While the name implies short distances, Regional Rate Boxes are actually a great bargain for shipping packages nationwide.

Pricing for Regional Rate Boxes is “zone-based”  – the actual shipping cost will depend on the distance the package is traveling from its origin to the delivery address.   The USPS has established eight total shipping zones throughout the U.S.

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Stamps.com automatically determines the correct zone-based pricing for your package.   Once the delivery address is inputted and the Regional Rate Box option has been selected, the software will provide the appropriate Priority Mail postage cost  for Regional Rate Box A or Box B.

#2 APO/FPO Customs Form Support
Stamps.com now offers the ability to electronically complete and print U.S. Customs Forms when printing postage for all applicable military addresses (APO/FPO) and U.S. Territories.

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This process is completely automated — once a military or U.S. Territory address has been inputted into the address field, Stamps.com will automatically detect the APO/FPO address and will provide a Customs Form to complete in the Stamps.com interface. Note: This form only supports Priority Mail at this time for APO/FPO addresses.  Also, the “Plain Paper (letter) – 2976A – 3 sheets per label” must be chosen as the Printed On source for the Customs Form to print correctly.

#3 Avery 5160 and Avery 5164 Labels Support
Stamps.com now supports the ability to print postage onto Avery 5160 and 5164 labels. These are the two most popular labels Avery sells and small businesses will now be able to easily print postage for envelopes.

Using the “Envelopes” tab in the navigation, Customers can now print postage on one label and delivery address on a separate Avery 5160 label using their regular ink jet or laser printer.

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Avery 5160 Label

For the Avery 5164 label, customers will be able to print postage and delivery address on one single label using their regular ink-jet or laser printer.

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Avery 5164 Label


#4 Customized Promo Message in Shipment Notification Emails
Stamps.com now gives customers the ability to customize a default promo message in your shipment notification emails.   The promo text can be used for up-selling or cross-selling your products and will be highlighted with a blue background in the footer of your shipment notification email.  Ideas for promo messages include back-to-school promotions, product closeouts or your company special events.

To update your promo message, go to “My Account” and click on “Ship Notification Email.”

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Important! You must download Version 8.9 in order to use these great new features.   Download Version 8.9 today at http://www.stamps.com/download/ – it’s free for existing customers!

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