How Does a USPS Postage Stamp Increase Work?
Last updated September 10, 2024
At least once a year – and sometimes multiple times a year – the United States Postal Service (USPS®) changes postage rates. At Stamps.com, we value transparency and strive to keep you updated on USPS postage rate changes and stamp price update that can have an impact on your mailing and shipping expenses.
This blog will help you understand these adjustments and ensure you’re always up-to-date with the latest USPS rate changes.
The good news, no matter what, Stamps.com will strive to get you best-in-class discounted rates for every mail class and shipping service available through USPS – and of course, more of your favorite carriers.
What Are USPS Postage Rate Changes?
In case you didn’t know, USPS periodically adjusts its shipping and mailing rates. These changes can result in new postage costs, as the price of sending packages and letters changes depending on the service you choose, weight, destination, and other factors. We often refer to these adjustments as rate changes or rate adjustments.
October 2024 rate change
USPS is temporarily raising rates for select package services from October 6th to January 19th. This is a common practice among major carriers like FedEx and UPS during the holiday season to accommodate the surge in shipping volume and maintain service quality.
For more information on impacted service check out our 2024 Holiday Surcharges blog.
For more information on the USPS rate changes, please visit our help center article.
September 2024 rate change
On September 16, 2024, the USPS adjusted rates for Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage™ packages shipped to certain ZIP Codes. This meant the cost to ship these packages might have increased slightly depending on the destination.
Despite these USPS changes, your rates will continue to be better than what you would pay at the Post Office. Impacted ZIP Codes will enjoy up to 41.66% off USPS Priority Mail® and 48.92% off USPS Ground Advantage™ when you ship through Stamps.com. Additionally, you’ll continue enjoying best-in-class discounts on USPS rates whenever you print stamps or shipping labels with Stamps.com. See the table below.
Want to know the impacted ZIP Codes?
Our customer success team is happy to help! If you’d like to see if a specific ZIP Code is affected by this change, feel free to reach out to them for assistance at [email protected].
While some rates might increase for specific destinations, we remain committed to providing you with deeply discounted shipping rates. Our sales and support teams are always available to answer any questions you may have about these changes.
We’ll continue to share details and updates as they become available, so be sure to bookmark this blog for the latest information.
July 2024 rate change
In July 2024, USPS implemented adjustments to shipping rates. Here’s a summary of the key changes that took effect:
July 1st:
- Ground Advantage: Prices for packages under and over 1 pound increased, with some adjustments reaching up to $2.11. Cubic pricing for this service also saw an increase.
- Priority Mail: Rates went up by an average of 5%, with some increases up to $3.10.
- Priority Mail Flats: Prices rose by an average of 4%, with individual rates potentially increasing up to $1.18.
- Priority Mail Cubic: This service experienced the largest increase, with an average rise of 10% and some rates going up by as much as $2.97.
July 14th:
- First-Class Mail Stamps: The price increased by 5 cents, from 68 cents to 73 cents. However, using Stamps.com, you can still get a discounted rate of 69 cents.
- Overall Mailing Services: Mailing service prices increased by an average of 7.8%.
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 new postage costs, 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.com has worked diligently behind the scenes, ensuring our technology is fully compliant with IMI as of December 2024. As an approved USPS partner, we’ll make sure your mailing operation continues to run smoothly without interruption.
Don’t worry about IMI compliance with Stamps.com. Learn more
Mail and Ship Anything From Home, Office, or Your Phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does postage from Stamps.com cost more than postage from the Post Office or UPS?
No. Our negotiated carrier discounts ensure you pay less for First Class Mail® stamps and get up 88% off shipping services from USPS, UPS, and other top carriers. These are discounts you will not find at the Post Office as they are reserved for high volume enterprises. Check stamps.com/carriers for latest on carriers and rates.
How do I calculate domestic postage costs?
Our rate advisor feature helps you calculate exact postage or shipping rate for anything you send. All you need is your item's weight and dimensions -- we do all the math for you and recommend cheapest, fastest, and best rates across all carriers.
How fast is Priority Mail Express International?
Delivery is made by the country's postal service in 3 - 5 business days, depending on the destination.
How fast is Priority Mail International?
Generally, it takes Priority Mail International six to ten business days. USPS hands off shipments at the border of the destination country before the local postal service completes the delivery.
Can Stamps.com help me track my postage spending?
Yes. Our reports show you you activity and total spend by carrier, mail class, shipping service -- so you always know how much you send. You can customize your reports by date and, if you are on our multi-location plan, you can also view activity and spend per location and user.
What are NetStamps
NetStamps are USPS-approved blank labels on which you can print your own stamps. Simply buy postage on Stamps.com, use any printer to print on a NetStamps sheet or roll, and stick the NetStamp to an envelope, postcard, or other First Class Mail.
What are the different types of Flat Rate Envelopes?
Regular, Legal, and Padded
What are nonmachinable envelopes?
Nonmachinable envelopes might be non-rectangular, rigid, unevenly thick, or have non-paper closures, meaning they cannot be processed efficiently by USPS's automated sorting equipment, and require special handling, resulting in a surcharge in addition to the standard postage.
USPS Priority Mail vs. First-Class Mail: What is the speed comparison?
USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.
How much does USPS First Class Package International® cost?
While price varies depending on weight and destination, rates for this service begin at $17 dollars.
