USPS Announces New Postage Rates for 2014

September 24th, 2014 Comments off

The U.S. Postal Service has submitted their 2014 mailing and shipping rates to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).  If approved by the PRC, the new postage rates will start on Sunday, January 26, 2014.

New USPS Products for 2014:

  • The USPS has proposed a new First Class letter rate for the “Metered Mail” category, including postage meters and online postage. This new rate would be $0.48 — $0.01 below the proposed price of $0.49 for Stamped letter mail.
  • Priority Mail Express will now be offering a new 10:30 a.m. delivery time option for a $5.00 fee.
  • A new “Zone 9” delivery zone is being introduced to represent U.S. territories and freely associated states (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau) for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
  • A fee of $0.20 per package will be assessed on any package that does not have an Intelligent Mail Package Barcode on the shipping label. Note: All shipping labels printed from Stamps.com automatically include the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode if you include USPS Tracking.
  • Priority Mail International: The maximum weight for Rate Group 2 (Mexico) has been increased to 70 lbs. from 44 lbs.
  • Commercial Plus Pricing: The minimum annual package volume threshold for cubic pricing and other Commercial Plus offerings will be lowered to 50,000 packages.

First Class Letters & Postcards
For First Class letters and postcards, the USPS has requested a special “exigent” rate increase for 2014.  This “exigent” request is seeking a postage rate increase above the Consumer Price Index (CPI). By law, the USPS is not allowed to increase postage rates above the CPI for the “Market Dominant” mail classes (letters, postcards, Media Mail, etc.).  Also new for 2014, the USPS has proposed a new discounted rate for letters and postcards where the postage is printed from a Postage Meter or Online Postage service such as Stamps.com.

2014 First Class Letter Postage Rates

Priority Mail Express
USPS pricing for Priority Mail Express will increase an average of 3.0% in 2014.

2014 Priority Mail Express Rates

 

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
For Priority Mail Express Flat Rate, Flat Rate Envelope prices will not be increasing for 2014.  Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes will be increasing by $5.00 in 2014.

2014 Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Postage Prices

Priority Mail
The USPS has not announced the average overall increase for 2014 Priority Mail rates yet.  However, in some weight ranges and zones, the prices will be reduced compared to 2013.

2014 Priority Mail Postage Rates

Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
The USPS has not announced the average overall increase for Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes yet.  However, in some weight ranges and zones for Regional Rate Box B, the prices will be reduced compared to 2013.

2014 Priority Mail Regional Rate Box Rates

Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
For Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes, rates will not be increasing for 2014 except for the Small Flat Rate Box and the Large Flat Rate Box (regular and APO/FPO).

2014 Priority Mail Flat Rate Postage Prices

Parcel Select
Prices for Parcel Select, the U.S. Postal Service’s bulk ground shipping product, will increase an average of 5.9% in 2014. Note: In 2, 3 and 4 lbs, rates in some shipping zones are being reduced in 2014 compared to 2013.

2014 USPS Parcel Select Rates

First Class Package Service
First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 5.0% in 2014.

2014 First Class Package Service Rates

Media Mail
Media Mail rates will see an average increase of 6.3% in 2014.

2014 Media Mail Rates

International Mail

  • The overall increase for First Class Package International Service will be 0.8%. Note: Commercial Base (online postage) prices WILL NOT be increasing in 2014.
  • The overall increase for Priority Mail International will be 1.1%.
  • The overall increase for Priority Mail Express International will be 1.3%.
  • The overall increase for Global Express Guaranteed will be 3.0%.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Include New Rates on January 26, 2014
Stamps.com makes it easy to prepare for the postal rate change by automatically applying these new prices starting on Sunday, January 26, 2014. Additionally, Stamps.com customers will continue to receive Commercial Base pricing discounts to help lower your shipping costs in 2014.

Top Questions & Video: 2013 Postage Rate Increase Webinar

September 24th, 2014 Comments off

Stamps.com recently held a webinar on the 2013 USPS postage rate increase that occurred on January 27, 2013. If you missed the webinar, watch the recording below.

Here are the top questions and answers from the webinar:

GENERAL POSTAGE RATE INCREASE

Question from Cyndi: Are the Forever Stamps still valid to use today even if purchased last week?
Yes, if you purchased Forever Stamps from the Post Office (or another location), you can still use them today to mail a one-ounce first class letter.

Question from JoAnn: I have a supply of stamps printed with $0.45 from Stamps.com.  Can I use those or do I need to add $0.01 stamps to the letters?
Since the USPS now charges $0.46 to send a one-ounce first class letter, you will need to add a $0.01 stamp to your letter in order for it to be delivered by the USPS.

Question from Sonia: I see Delivery Confirmation now costs $0.20 I thought online it was free. Can you please let us now if it does cost or is free?
DC is free for First Class Package Service, Parcel Select, Priority Mail and Express Mail shipments. For all other mail classes it’s only 20 cents.

Question from Leslie: If we download the latest version of Stamps.com software, will our settings/address book still be available?
Yes, when you download the latest version of Stamps.com software (Version 10.0), all of your address books, batch profiles and settings will remain the same.

Question from Linda: How do we get the Commercial Base discounts for printing postage online?
If you print shipping labels using Stamps.com (or any online postage vendor), you automatically qualify to receive Commercial Base pricing.  These rates should be automatically calculated when you print postage.

Question from Sandy: Where can I find the qualifications to apply for Commercial Plus Pricing from the USPS?
Stamps.com supports Commercial Plus pricing if you qualify.  Please contact Stamps.com at 1-888-434-0055 or your local USPS sales representative to determine if you qualify for Commercial Plus pricing. Generally, you need to send at least 5,000 letter-size  and flat-size Priority Mail pieces (including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) or 75,000 total Priority Mail pieces in the previous calendar year.

Question from Paula: Did the price of Certified Mail increase?
Yes, Certified Mail increased on January 27, 2013 to $3.10 from $2.95

Question from Jolene: Can I get the link to the 2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase that Stamps.com gave out?
Download the free 2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase guide (15-page PDF) at: http://www.stamps.com/whitepapers/2013-usps-postage-rate-increase-guide.pdf


PRIORITY MAIL

Question from Yana: Is there a price difference between Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes and Priority Mail Mailing Boxes (not flat rate)?
Yes, there are three types of Priority Mail and all three have different pricing structures.  Regional Rate Boxes have a different price than both Priority Mail Flat Rate and regular Priority Mail.   Get more info at:  http://www.stamps.com/usps/postage-rate-increase/

Question from Mike: Are Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes the same as Priority Mail Flat Rate in appearance?
Regional Rate boxes are similar in size, but have different actual dimensions compared to Priority Mail Flat Rate options.  As an example, Regional Rate Box A is sized at 10″ 1/8 x 7 ” 1/8 x 5″ (top loading).  That is just a little smaller than the Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box.  Get more info on Regional Rate Box sizes.

Question from Glen: Does Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes include Padded Envelopes?
Yes, there are three types of Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and padded envelopes are included.  The other two are the regular Flat Rate envelope and the Legal Flat Rate envelope.  Cost to send all three for Priority Mail International is $19.95.


INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Question from Bob: Will I need to throw away my Customs Declaration CN22 forms (start with “LC”) if I ship First Class Package International Service to Canada and want the new free Delivery Confirmation?
Yes, if you want to see Delivery Confirmation for your First Class Package International Service packages going to Canada, you will need to use a new Customs Form.  Stamps.com will automatically print the updated Customs Form for you when you print First class Package International Service to Canada.

Question from Brien: Will the tracking for Canada you showed for First Class International be available at no cost for Priority Mail as well?
Delivery Confirmation for packages traveling to Canada will be included on First Class Package International Service as well as Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Boxes as well.  Other types of Priority Mail International have already included some form of tracking.

Question from Steve: When will the tracking numbers for Canadian shipments be able to track deliveries to the house?
As of January 27, 2013, any First Class Package International Service (or Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope or small box) going to a Canada address will include Delivery Confirmation.  It’s important to note that CanadaPost is only scanning the package one time — at the delivery or attempted delivery.

Question from Laurie: so before the increase Stamps.com did not offer any discount for First Class Mail International but now they do?
Yes, the USPS has moved the First Class Package International Service mail class into the “competitive services” category.  This allows the USPS to offer up to 10% off Post Office rates if you print postage from an online vendor such as Stamps.com.


PARCEL POST, STANDARD POST & PARCEL SELECT

Question from Randall: What are the domestic delivery times for the new Parcel Select service?
Parcel Select delivery is very similar to the former Parcel Post with delivery occurring in 2 to 9 days.

Question from Dave: I’m still seeing Parcel Post as an option in my Stamps.com software.  Where do I download the new version?
In order to stop seeing Parcel Post as a mailing option in your Stamps.com software, you will need to download the new version 10.0.  Download it today for free at http://www.stamps.com/download/

Question from Jennie: Can we still process Parcel Post through the Stamps.com?
No, you will no longer be able to print Parcel Post using Stamps.com.  The USPS has replaced the Parcel Post with Parcel Select for all online postage vendors.  Once the Parcel Select label is printed, you can hand your package to the mail carrier — no Post Office trip is required.

Question from Trish: Does Parcel Select ship by ground?
Yes, Parcel Select is a ground transportation by the USPS.  It is comparable service to FedEx Ground and UPS Ground.

Question from Antoinette: So there is no way to use Parcel Post or Standard Post with Stamps.com?
Correct. Parcel Post is no longer available from the USPS.  If you print postage online, you will need to use Parcel Select.  And if you go to the Post Office, you will need to use Standard Post.  Both services offer delivery in 2 to 9 days.

The only difference is where the USPS allows you to purchase the two different mail classes.  Parcel Select is only available online or through an approved USPS vendor.   Standard Post is only available at the Post Office.  Both services include free Delivery Confirmation and both provide delivery in 2 to 9 days.

Free: 2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide

September 24th, 2014 Comments off
Stamps.com has released the “2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide” to help small business owners understand the postage rate increase that went into effect on January 27, 2013.
The FREE guide contains detailed information on postage rates for each USPS mail class, including special services.
The USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide provides:
– Description of the 2013 rate increases by USPS mail class
– Introduces new USPS services for 2013
– Includes links to USPS mail class rate charts
(image)
The guide is free and can be downloaded at:
http://www.stamps.com/whitepapers/2013-usps-postage-rate-increase-guide.pdf

Stamps.com has released the “2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide” to help small business owners understand the postage rate increase that went into effect on January 27, 2013.

The FREE guide contains 15 pages of detailed information on postage rates for each USPS mail class, including special services.

The USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide provides:

  • Description of the 2013 rate increases for each USPS mail class
  • Introduces new USPS services for 2013 including Standard Post and First Class Package International Service
  • Includes links to USPS mail class rate charts

2013_usps-pri-guide_medium

The guide is free and can be downloaded at:

http://www.stamps.com/whitepapers/2013-usps-postage-rate-increase-guide.pdf

Free Webinar: Understanding the 2013 Postage Rate Increase

September 24th, 2014 Comments off
The USPS postage rate increase goes into effect on January 27, 2013.
Stamps.com is hosting a free webinar for small business owners and e-commerce sellers to discuss how the USPS postage rate increase will affect mailing and shipping costs in 2013.
What: Free webinar on 2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase
When: Monday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Register at xxxxxxxxx
Topics Covered:
– Information on all USPS mail class rate increases
– Compare the new USPS rates to private carrier increases
– Learn about the new USPS products for 2013 including Standard Post and First Class Package International Service
– Learn how you can lower costs using exclusive online postage discounts

The USPS postage rate increase goes into effect on January 27, 2013. Stamps.com is hosting a free webinar for small blog_rate-increase-webinarbusiness owners and e-commerce sellers to discuss how the USPS postage rate increase will affect mailing and shipping costs in 2013.

What: Free webinar on 2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase

When: Monday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET

Where: Register for FREE at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/568309578

Topics Covered:

  • Information on all USPS mail class rate increases
  • Compare the new USPS rates to private carrier increases
  • Learn about the new USPS products for 2013 including Standard Post and First Class Package International Service
  • Find out about international changes to USPS Flat Rate service
  • Learn how you can lower costs using exclusive online postage discounts

USPS Announces New Postage Rates for 2013

September 24th, 2014 Comments off
The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new 2013 shipping rates that are expected to start on Sunday, January 27, 2013 pending Postal Regulatory Commission
(PRC) approval.  The average increase for all shipping classes is xxx%.
Domestic Mail
First Class Letters
Letters (1 oz.): 1 cent increase to $0.46 cents from $0.45 cents
Postcards: 1 cent increase to $0.33 cents from $0.32 cents
Express Mail – USPS retail rates (Post Office) for Express Mail will increase an average of 5.9% in 2013.
Priority Mail – Priority Mail retail prices will increase an average of 6.3% in 2013.
First Class Package Service –  USPS retail rates for First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 3.0% in 2013.
Parcel Select – Prices for Parcel Select will increase an average of 9.0%.
Other Changes for 2013:
First Class Global Forever Stamp (1 oz.) is being introduced.  Service will provide letter delivery worldwide for $1.10
Parcel Post being renamed Standard Post, and now will include FREE package tracking and delivery information.
First Class Mail International is being renamed First Class Package Service International and is being transferred to the “competitive product list” which allows the mail class to be eligible for Commercial Base pricing (online rate discounts).  2013 rates are seeing a significant increase, with rates increasing as much as 60% for packages that weigh up to 1 lb.
Creation of a USPS Mail Services Promotions Calendar
We encourage mailers to explore the newly developed 2013 Mailing Services Promotions Calendar from the United States Postal Service®.
The USPS has created a promotions calendar that is designed to encourage innovation and use of technologies that can add value and make mail more interactive. Building on previous barcode and mobile commerce promotions, we have developed new programs that will help mailers connect with customers and keep mail an essential part of their marketing mix.
Stamps.com Will Automatically Include New Rates on January 27, 2013
Stamps.com makes it easy to prepare for the postal rate change by automatically applying these new prices starting on January 27, 2013.  Additionally,
Stamps.com customers will continue to receive Commercial Base pricing discounts to help lower your shipping costs in 2013.

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new 2013 shipping rates that are expected to start on Sunday, January 27, 2013 pending Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approval. usps_news-logo

Domestic Mail – Changes for 2013
First Class Letters – Letters (1 oz.): 1 cent increase to $0.46 cents from $0.45 cents
Postcards: 1 cent increase to $0.33 cents from $0.32 cents
Express Mail: USPS retail rates (Post Office) for Express Mail will increase an average of 5.9% in 2013
Priority Mail: Priority Mail retail prices will increase an average of 6.3% in 2013.  Commercial Base pricing (online discounted rates) will only be increasing 3.7%
First Class Package Service: USPS retail rates for First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 3.0% in 2013
Parcel Post (renamed Standard Post): Prices for Standard Post will increase an average of 6.3%
Parcel Select: Prices for Parcel Select will increase an average of 9.0%
Certified Mail: Prices for Certified Mail will increase by 5.1%

Other Changes for 2013:

  • First Class Mail Global Forever Stamp (1 oz.) is being introduced.  Service will provide letter delivery worldwide for $1.10
  • Parcel Post being renamed Standard Post, and now will include FREE package tracking and delivery information.
  • First Class Mail International is being renamed First Class Package Service International and is being transferred to the “competitive product list” which allows the mail class to be eligible for Commercial Base pricing (online rate discounts).  2013 rates are seeing a significant increase, with rates increasing as much as 60% for packages that weigh up to 1 lb.
  • Free Flat Rate packaging supplies will now be eligible for faster delivery by paying an expedited service fee of $2.50
  • Creation of a USPS Mail Services Promotions Calendar. Building on previous barcode and mobile commerce promotions, the USPS has developed a full year of promotions including mobile coupon delivery, a click-to-call program, and discounted rates for product sampling along with others that run throughout 2013.

Download the proposed 2013 USPS postage rates directly from the USPS site.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Include New Rates on January 27, 2013
Stamps.com makes it easy to prepare for the postal rate change by automatically applying these new prices starting on Sunday, January 27, 2013.  Additionally, Stamps.com customers will continue to receive Commercial Base pricing discounts to help lower your shipping costs in 2013.

Call us toll-free at 1-888-434-0055

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