USPS Rates are Changing
Long, long ago, in 2016… the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a request for price changes that would affect mailing and shipping rates. If approved, those new prices would go into effect following the end of the 2016 holiday mailing season.
Since then, the tried-and-true holidays those of us in the Northern Hemisphere consider to be culturally integral to our winter season have come and gone and the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has approved the USPS’s request, effective January 22, 2017.
While increasing rates never sounds like fun to anyone who has to shell out the money for them, there is a silver lining in that a few savings can be found with these changes.
The Silver Lining in Savings
First-Class Mail meter use will continue to offer savings over stamps. The rates of 1 oz. stamped First-Class Mail are increasing from 47¢ to 49¢, while 1 oz. metered First-Class Mail rates are decreasing from 46.5¢ to 46¢. This means a 3¢ savings, or 6% off, for every First-Class letter sent by meter mail.
Bulk mail and 5-digit automation letters now allow a 3.5 oz. limit compared to the previous 2 oz. limit. As an example with First-Class Commercial letters, you can save on additional postage by including promotional inserts with your bills and statements.
Standard Mail is also now being referred to as USPS Marketing Mail. While knowing this change is not crucial in terms of price changes, it will hopefully help avoid miscommunication.
And finally, while there are numerous changing rates to keep track of, a few things still remain the same. Go ahead and let out that collective sigh of relief you’ve been holding in. Rates for postcards, letters being mailed to international destinations, and letters weighing more than 1 oz. will remain the same.
Get the Full Scoop
For a full listing of the 2017 USPS updates in the USPS mailing and shipping rates, click here.
