January 22, 2017 USPS Rate Change

On January 22nd the USPS postage rates will be changing.  While the cost of a stamp is increasing from 47 cents to 49 cents, the changes will also result in some postage reductions.  Below is a high level summary of the changes that will be made.

Additional information can be found on the USPS 2017 Rate Change Fact Sheet

Full Rate First Class Postage:  The price of a stamp will increase but the price to meter at first class full rates will decrease

·         First class stamps have increase by 2 cents to $0.49 per piece

·         First class flats (large envelopes) have increased by 4 cents to $0.98 or two first class letter stamps

·         First class metered mail has decrease by half a penny to $0.46

Presorted First Class: Rates will be very similar but the new rates allow you to mail heavier pieces at lower costs

·         Presorted First class letter size pieces can now mail at the same rate for pieces that weigh 3.5oz or less

Presorted Standard Mail has been rebranded to USPS Marketing Mail, but the restrictions on the type of mail that can be sent under this class and all requirements remain the same

·         On average prices will decrease by less than 1, although some presort prices are increasing and DDU, SCF, and NDC discounts are decreasing.

Non Profit: Non Profit letter rates have decreased by about $0.01 while non profit flat postage has increased by about $0.005

Packages: USPS packages prices will increase on average by 2.5-4%

·         Rates for Parcel Select, First Class Packages, USPS Retail Ground, and Priority Mail will all increase

To take advantage of these new rates we would recommend converting large first class pieces like 9x12 envelopes and 8.5x11 booklets to smaller heavier pieces (ex. 6x9 envelopes and 8.5x5.5 booklets), metering full rate first class mail instead of applying a stamp, and stocking up on forever stamps prior to January 22.

 For more in-depth information on these rate changes please contact us at (760) 480-2323.