At Stamps.com we often receive questions about the annual USPS postage rate increase. To help clarify some of the questions we get most, we’ve compiled this FAQ.
When did the new USPS rates start?
The 2019 USPS postage rate increase went into effect on Sunday, January 27, 2019.
When printing postage online for letters, do I get a discounted rate?
Yes, customers who print postage using Stamps.com save 5 cents per letter, paying only $0.50 instead of $0.55 (Post Office rate) – a 9% savings! This discount is known as the “Metered Mail rate” and is available for all postage printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com.
I printed $0.47 “Metered Mail rate” NetStamps with Stamps.com in 2018. Can I use those NetStamps in 2019?
Since the “Metered Mail” rate is now $0.50 to send a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter, you will need to add additional postage worth $0.03 to your letter.
When printing shipping labels online, do I get a discounted rate?
Yes, customers who print postage online automatically qualify for discounted shipping rates (known as Commercial Base pricing) when purchasing Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or First Class Package Service. These rates are automatically calculated when you print a shipping label inside the Stamps.com platform.
Does Stamps.com have an option to ship Merchandise using First Class Mail International Large Envelopes/Flats?
Yes! Stamps.com provides an exclusive service for online retailers to ship merchandise in a Large Envelope/Flat to an International destination at a significant cost savings compared to First Class Package International Service/ The savings can be $10.00 or higher per Flat shipped!
Is the Dimensional (DIM) Weight divisor changing for the USPS?
Note: The USPS has postponed this change until June 2019! The Dimensional Weight (DIM) divisor for Priority Mail packages over 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is being adjusted from 194 to 166. DIM pricing is also being added to all shipping zones for Priority Mail parcels over 1 cubic foot as well as to Parcel Select and Priority Mail Express.
Did First Class Package Service rates change in 2019?
Yes, First Class Package Service is moving from a weight-only pricing to a zone and weight-based pricing. Rates will be based on the weight of the package (in ounces) and the shipping zone the package is traveling to.
I am a Stamps.com customer. Do I need to take any actions to get the new rates after January 27, 2019?
No, if you are a Stamps.com customer, you do not need to take any action. Stamps.com automatically updated all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 27, 2019.
