2024 USPS Rate and Service Changes
July 2024 Service Changes
The USPS is adjusting its shipping rates in July, and we want to make sure you’re prepared. These changes will affect the cost of sending letters and packages, so it’s important to be aware of the details and how to find the best rates. In July you will see two separate rate increases, on the 1st and 14th. Here’s the breakdown of the 2024 USPS Rate and Service Changes:
Key Pricing Changes
July 1st:
- Ground Advantage: Prices will increase for packages under and over 1 pound, with some adjustments as high as $2.11. Cubic pricing for Ground Advantage will also see an increase.
- Priority Mail: Expect a 5% average increase, with some rates going up to $3.10 more.
- Priority Mail Flats: Prices will rise by an average of 4%, with some individual rates potentially increasing up to $1.18.
- Priority Mail Cubic: This service will see the biggest increase, with an average jump of 10% and some rates going up to $2.97 more.
July 14th:
- First-Class Mail stamps are going up by 5 cents, from 68 cents to 73 cents. However, when using Stamps.com, you receive a discounted rate of 69 cents.
- Overall Mailing Services: Mailing service prices will increase by an average of 7.8%.
Mailing Service Prices
| Product | USPS January 2024 | USPS July 2024 | Stamps.com Rate |
| Letters (1 oz.) | 68 cents | 73 cents | 69 cents |
| Domestic Postcards | 53 cents | 56 cents | |
| International Postcards | $1.55 | $1.65 | |
| International Letter (1 oz.) | $1.55 | $1.65 |
Priority Mail and Ground Advantage Prices
| Service | Affected Zones | Avg. Price Increase | Highest Price Increase | Affected Weight Range | Avg. Prince Increase for High Volume | Stamps.com Discount |
| Priority Mail | 3-4, 7-8 | 5% | $3.10 | 3-10 pounds | 4.9% | Up to 41.45% |
| Priority Mail Flats | 4% | $1.18 | Up to 17.45% | |||
| Priority Mail Cubic | 1-8 | 10% | $2.97 | 7.6% | Up to 18% | |
| Ground Advantage Under 1 pound | 6-8 | 0% | $0.33 | 13-15.99 ounces | Up to 32.68% | |
| Ground Advantage Over 1 pound | 4-8 | 2% | $2.11 | Under 6 pounds | 6.5% | Up to 51.59% |
| Ground Advantage Cubic | 5-8 | 3% | $1.67 | 7.7% | Up to 21.32% |
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 postage, 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. ShipWorks is already working diligently behind the scenes to your USPS Stamps.com account technology is fully compliant with IMI by December 2024.
Advance Proof of Postage Payment Required for Shipping Labels
The USPS will be strictly enforcing existing rules that require advance proof of postage payment for shipping labels beginning August 1, 2024.
We’re happy to assure you that our service is already fully compliant with these regulations when using your stamps.com account in ShipWorks. You won’t need to make any changes to your current workflow when using a Stamps.com account.
Visit the USPS 2024 Postage Price Change page to see their announcement details and learn more about the 2024 USPS rate and service changes.
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