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%).

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2016 USPS Postage Rate Increase

LETTER MAILING
When did the new USPS postage rates go into effect?
The USPS implemented the 2016 rates on Sunday, January 17, 2016.  All postage printed after this time must include the correct 2016 rate.

Has Stamps.com been updated with the new rates?
Yes, Stamps.com’s postage rates are updated in real-time and all postage printed will reflect the new 2016 USPS rates.

Are First Class Mail letter rates increasing?
No, the 2016 USPS rate increase is only impacting shipping services. Rates for First Class Mail letters are remaining the same. Those rates are:

• First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.): $0.49 – no change from 2015. Each additional ounce will cost $0.22
• First Class Mail Letters Metered Mail Rate (1 oz.): $0.485 – no change from 2015. Each additional ounce will cost $0.22
• First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelopes (1 oz.): $0.98 – no change from 2015. Each additional ounce will cost $0.22
• Postcard rates will not increase and will remain at $0.35 – no change from 2015

What happens if my letter has the old rate and hasn’t been delivered yet?
If your letter was postmarked before Sunday, January 17, 2016, then your letter will be delivered as normal.  But if the letter entered the mailstream with the 2015 rates, the letter could either be sent back to you for postage due or possibly delivered to the recipient with a request for postage due.

SHIPPING
Are Priority Mail rates increasing?
Yes, Priority Mail rates are increasing for 2016. After three years without a shipping rate increase, Priority Mail will see an average rate increase of 9.4% in 2016.

What is happening to the Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C?
The USPS is discontinuing the Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C as of January 17, 2016. This box will still available to use (branded now as Priority Mail), but you must pay regular Priority Mail rates.

Can I drop off a Regional Rate Box at the Post Office?
Yes, Regional Rate Box A and Box B may be turned in at the Post Office. Important Note: If postage for the Regional Rate Box is purchased at the Post Office, the USPS has changed the additional charge from $0.75 to $2.25 if the Regional Rate package is being delivered to Zones 1 to 4, and to $1.00 if the package is being delivered to Zones 5 to 9.

Why have the rates increased so much for Click-N-Ship?
Previously, customers who printed postage on Click-N-Ship (USPS.com) received Commercial Base pricing, which were discounts offered to customers for printing postage online. Starting on January 17, 2016 those online discounts will no longer be offered for Click-N-Ship and customers will pay Post Office prices (Retail Rates).

Has the maximum weight increased for First Class Package Service?
Yes, the maximum weight for First Class Package Service Commercial Base pricing (online postage) will be increased from 13 ounces to 15.99 ounces. This opens a lot of opportunity for e-commerce sellers who are looking for a fast, cost-efficient means to ship packages. First Class Package Service includes free tracking and delivery is typically 1 to 3 days across the U.S.

Can I ship a 16 ounce (1 pound) package using First Class Package Service?
No! If your package weighs 16 ounces (1 pound) or more, you may NOT use First Class Package Service for delivery. Any package that weighs 1 lb. should be upgraded to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Parcel Select or Media Mail.

How much does it cost to ship a 15.99 package using First Class Package Service?
The cost to send a 15.99 ounce package using First Class Package Service is $3.65, significantly cheaper than any other shipping service.

What happened to Commercial Plus pricing for First Class Package Service?
The USPS is looking to simplify their pricing programs. Starting on January 17, 2016, Commercial Plus pricing has been eliminated for First Class Package Service. However, Commercial Plus pricing is still available for Priorty Mail and Priority Mail Express (domestic and international).

I am seeing a $2.54 rate for packages weighing between 1 and 3 ounces for First Class Package Service – isnt the Commercial Base rate $2.60?
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 an unique situation where the Post Office rate for First Class Package Service parcels 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

What happened to Standard Post (previously Parcel Post)?
Standard Post, a ground delivery service sold only at the Post Office, has been renamed Retail Ground. Other than the name change, the service level remains the same as 2015.

What is Parcel Select Ground?
Parcel Select Ground is the new name for Parcel Select (Nonpresort), a ground delivery service for medium-sized and large shippers. Other than the name change, the service level remains the same as 2015.

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

With the 2016 USPS rate increase going into effect on Sunday, January 17, 2016, all postage printed via Stamps.com will now reflect the new 2016 USPS rates. No action is required of customers.

Stamps.com mailing and shipping solutions are designed to reflect real-time USPS pricing and will transition to the new rates in real time, enabling customers to print postage without any service disruptions.

Stamps.com Software Customers
Special Note: If you print First Class Package Service for packages weighing between 1 and 3 ounces, you will need to download the latest version of the software (Version 13.3). This will allow you to receive the $2.54 rate instead of the $2.60 rate for packages weighing 1 ounce, 2 ounces and 3 ounces.

Get more info on the 2016 USPS postage rate increase.