The USPS has a rate change effective January 26, 2020.  Most rates will stay the same or remain similar.  The biggest change will be in the package and parcel shipping rates.  Bulk mail is increasing by 0-1.5%. First class package and priority mail are increasing by about 2-3%.  Below is a breakdown of all the different classes of mail and the rate changes in each.  Within each class there are variations in the price change but the information below can give you a general idea of how rates will change.

First Class Mail USPS Postage Rates (Letters, Postcards, and Flats)

The rate of first class stamp will remain the same, 55 cents.  Full rate letter, flat and postcard rates will also remain the same.  The only change for full rate postage is that for flats over 1 oz, each additional ounce will cost $0.05 more.

First Class Presorted Mail USPS Postage Rates (Letters, Postcards, and Flats)

The first class presorted rates for letters increases on average $0.005 or about 1%.  This small increase is not uniform and will depend on the sort.  For first class presorted flats the rate has decreased slightly but similarly to the increase in full rate first class each additional ounce will cost about $0.05 more. Postcard rates will increase by about $0.003.

Marketing Mail/ Standard Mail USPS Postage Rates (Letters, and Flats)

Marketing Mail/ Standard Mail letter size postage rates are increasing on average by about $0.003 or about 1%.  The flat size postage rates are increasing by $0.005 or about 1%.  The rates that are increasing of the non-automation rate for pieces that cannot be processed by the USPS automated equipment.  These are increasing by about 2-5%, but at Action Mail we process most mail at automation rates unless by special request or if the mail piece does not comply with automation standards.

Non-Profit Mail USPS Postage Rates (Letters, and Flats)

Non-profit mail letter size postage rates are increasing on average by about $0.002 or about 1.5%.  The flat size postage rates are increasing by $0.005 or about 2%.  The rates that are increasing of the non-automation rate for pieces that cannot be processed by the USPS automated equipment.  These are increasing by about 2-5%, but at Action Mail we process most mail at automation rates unless by special request or if the mail piece does not comply with automation standards.

First Class Package USPS POSTAGE RATES

First Class package postal rates are increasing by $0.08 to $0.17 per package, depending on the weight and zone.  This is across all weights and zones and will result in a 2-3% rate increase.  Below is a chart of the difference in cost for each weight and zone.

Priority Mail Package USPS POSTAGE RATES

Priority Mail will also increase about 2-3%.  For packages 1-2lbs in Zone 1-8 (domestic) the increase is small.  For heavier packages and packages being sent to zone 9 the increases are much more significant.  For larger packages and packages sent to zone 9 (US Territories) it may be more cost effective to look at a different carrier depending on timeline and specs of the shipment. Below is a chart of the difference in cost for each weight and zone.

If you have any questions or would like a more detailed analysis for your specific mailings please contact us.