USPS^® Shipping and Mailing Price Changes

The USPS has announced a new price increase for shipping services that will go into effect January 19, 2025.
There will be no change to stamp prices this January.

USPS Rate Change Overview

Additional Carrier Rates

Mailing Services (Market Dominant)

USPS^® mailing rates as of July 14, 2024

The latest USPS mailing services price changes took effect on July 14, 2024 and the USPS has announced there will be no mailing price increase in January 2025. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class® Mail Forever stamp from 68¢ to 73¢. The approved adjustments raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.8%. There are no price changes for USPS retail or commercial prices for shipping services like Priority Mail^® and Ground Advantage™.

What’s changing in First-Class Mail?

As of July 14, 2024, mailers will see price increases to USPS mailing products such as First-Class Mail and Certified Mail.

First-Class letters (retail stamps and metered) increase 5¢. The good news for online postage and meter users is that the savings for Metered letter rate remains at 4¢ per letter. The additional ounce rate is increasing from 24¢ to 28¢ for letters.

First-Class Flats (Large Envelopes) are increasing 11¢, and the additional ounce rate for Flats is increasing 27¢ to 30¢ depending on the weight of the envelope.

Certified Mail rate is increasing $0.45 and the manual Return Receipt (green card) is also increasing $0.45. Switching to electronic Return Receipt, using PitneyShip software, can now save mailers $1.48 per piece.

Total 1-ounce Certified Mail cost increases to $9.64 for Retail Return Receipt (Green Card) (metered)
Total 1-ounce Certified Mail cost will be $8.16 for electronic Return Receipt (Savings of $1.48 vs. Green Card)

What’s changing in Marketing Mail?

Marketing Mail continues to be the cheapest way to send mass mail. Most Marketing Mail and Marketing Mail Nonprofit rates are rising, but the increase is much less than First-Class mail rates.

Other Services

Single Piece Library Mail increases to $3.92 up to 1lb
Single Piece Media Mail increases to $4.13 up to 1lb

As always, Pitney Bowes remains committed to providing the best possible rates offered by the USPS. Now is the perfect time to cut your shipping and mailing costs. We are here to help you find ways to reduce the complexity and impact of rate changes for shipping and mailing. Below are some of the highlights of popular mailing services being affected.

USPS Mail Rates

First-Class Mail

Product	Current	Jul 2024	Change
1oz. Letter	$0.68	$0.73	+$0.05
1 oz. Letter (metered)	$0.64	$0.69	+$0.05
Postcards	$0.53	$0.56	+$0.03
1 oz. Flats	$1.39	$1.50	+$0.11
Additional Oz. Letters	$0.24	$0.28	+$0.03
Additional Oz. Flats	$0.24	$0.27 - $0.30	+$0.03 - $0.06

Certified Mail

Extra Services	Current Price	Jul 2024	Change
Certified Mail	$4.40	$4.85	+$0.45
Return Receipt Retail	$3.65	$4.10	+$0.45
Return Receipt Electronic	$2.32	$2.62	+$0.30

Marketing Mail

Commercial Automation	Current Price	Jul 2024	Change
Mixed AADC	$0.385	$0.402	+$0.017
AADC	$0.365	$0.380	+$0.015
5-Digit	$0.330	$0.345	+$0.015

Nonprofit Automation
Mixed AADC	$0.228	$0.230	+$0.002
AADC	$0.208	$0.208	$0.00
5-Digit	$0.173	$0.183	$0.00

Our PitneyShip software delivers a better way to send, track, and manage your Certified Mail, while saving you $1.48 on every piece – with no volume requirements. Learn more here.

The Countdown is ON to the USPS 2024 mandate.

As of December 2024, IMI will replace the outdated IBI (Information Based Indicia) performance standard with newer, more sophisticated technology providing the Postal Service with more detailed real-time transaction data. Learn more here.

Shipping Services (USPS Competitive Products)

New rates announced for Retail and Commercial shipping services that will go into effect January 19, 2025.

The USPS has announced that new rates for shipping services like Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express will go into effect on January 19, 2025. While most of these services will see increases of 3.2-3.9%, Pitney Bowes clients will continue to see deeper savings through the USPS Connect Ecommerce (CeC) program. Even with this increase, the CeC prices are still less than published Commercial discounts. The increase affects anyone printing a shipping label with shipping software. Printing USPS shipping labels provides special discounts on postage for many weights under 20lbs and zones for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage.

If this sounds confusing, that’s because it is. The good news is that we have you covered. Our software solutions take the guess work out of rates and presents you with the best possible USPS rate for every package you send. And don't forget, USPS does not add any surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday delivery.

Check out our rate calculator below to see if your package qualifies for certain rates.

Please note: As of November 29, 2024, USPS has temporarily suspended mail to Canada due to a strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Starting December 17, Canadian Union of Postal Workers will be returning to work. However, a backlog of work and significant delays are expected. Check back for more details on service between the USPS and Canada Post.

USPS Priority Mail

Priority Mail (1-3 day delivery)

On average, Priority Mail prices are increasing an average of 3.2%. This is a very broad average with actual percentage changes being very complex and varying based on zone and weight. For the most part, prices are going up. PitneyShip reduces the complexity of the Priority Mail price changes and helps make sure you are getting the best price or every piece you send.

Package Details	2024 Retail Price	2025 Retail Price	2025 Pitney Bowes Price	Savings with Pitney Bowes
Flat Rate Envelope	$9.85	$10.10	<$8.75	>$1.35
Small Flat Rate Box	$10.40	$10.65	<$9.30	>$1.35
Medium Flat Rate Box	$18.40	$19.15	<$16.65	>$2.50
APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box	$23.00	$25.05	<$22.70	>$2.35
1lb Package to Zone 1	$9.25	$9.35	<$7.99	>$1.36
2lb Package to Zone 1	$10.35	$10.50	<$8.44	>$2.06
5lb Package to Zone 1	$12.45	$12.60	<$9.35	>$3.25

Priority Mail Cubic

Priority Mail Cubic pricing is based on the dimensions of your package, rather than the weight. It’s a service not available at the Post Office, and offers shippers an inexpensive, fast way to ship their small packages (0.5 cubic feet or less) that weight up to 20lbs. Like all Priority Mail services, you can still expect a 1-3 business day delivery. Cubic pricing also includes $100 of insurance at no extra cost.

Package Details	2025 Retail Price	2025 Commercial Price	2025 Pitney Bowes Price	Savings with Pitney Bowes
0.20 Cubic Ft, 3lbs, Zone 3	$12.30	$9.55	$8.82	$3.48 (36%)
0.30 Cubic Ft, 5lbs, Zone 1	$12.60	$9.35	$8.85	$3.75 (40%)
0.50 Cubic Ft, 7lbs, Zone 4	$16.75	$12.08	$11.24	$5.51 (46%)

Priority Mail Express

If speed is what you need, then Priority Mail Express could be the right choice. It’s an overnight service delivery even on Saturdays. Prices are increasing between 5.8% and 6% for zones 1-8 and 10% for zone 9. There are no cubic price options for Priority Mail Express, but the USPS does offer Flat Rate packaging and prices.

Package Details	2024 Retail Price	2024 Commercial Price	2025 Retail Price	2025 Pitney Bowes Price	Savings with Pitney Bowes
Flat Rate Envelope	$30.45	$26.35	$31.40	$27.20	$4.20 (13%)
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$30.65	$26.65	$31.65	$27.50	$4.15 (13%)
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$31.20	$26.85	$32.25	$27.70	$4.55 (14%)
1lb Package to Zone 1	$30.95	$26.75	$31.95	$27.60	$4.35 (14%)

USPS Ground Advantage

USPS Ground Advantage™ Service

Most Ground Advantage rates are increasing, but like Priority Mail, the price changes are complex and depend on zone and weight of the package. Ground Advantage replaced First-Class Package Service category with USPS Ground Advantage. The service also incorporated USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select^® Ground. USPS Ground Advantage features 2-5 day delivery for packages up to 70 pounds and includes ounce-based pricing up to 15.999oz. Certified Mail is not an option as an extra service for these items. If you require a signature, Ground Advantage with Signature Confirmation is the recommended alternative. If your package requires Certified Mail, then you must use Priority Mail.

Package Details	2024 Retail Price	2024 Commercial Price	2025 Retail Price	2025 Pitney Bowes Price	Savings with Pitney Bowes
8 oz., Zone 1	$5.70	$4.21	$6.00	$4.33	$1.67 (28%)
11 oz., Zone 1	$6.50	$4.87	$6.75	$5.00	$1.75 (26%)
1lb, Zone 1	$8.00	$6.83	$8.35	$7.12	$1.23 (15%)
2lbs, Zone 1	$8.95	$7.21	$9.45	$7.50	$1.95 (21%)
5lbs, Zone 1	$10.75	$7.99	$11.35	$8.29	$3.06 (27%)

USPS Ground Advantage Cubic Rates

Like Priority Mail Cubic rates, Ground Advantage Cubic pricing is based on the dimensions of your package, rather than the weight. Ground Advantage differs in that packages can be up to a full cubic foot. Ground Advantage Cubic offers competitive pricing for packages up to 20lbs with a 2-5 delivery service.

Package Details	2025 Retail Price	2025 Commercial Price	2025 Pitney Bowes Cubic Price	Savings with Pitney Bowes
0.30 Cubic Ft, 3lbs, Zone 3	$11.05	$8.45	$8.22	$2.83 (33%)
0.50 Cubic Ft, 7lbs, Zone 1	$12.25	$8.70	$8.25	$4.00 (46%)
0.90 Cubic Ft, 14 lbs, Zone 4	$19.75	$14.73	$11.67	$8.08 (55%)

Package Cubic Rate Calculator

<font color="#cf0989">Package Cubic Feet Calculator

Fill in your package dimensions below to find out if it qualifies for cubic pricing.

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How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs in 2025?

We are here to help. Shipping continues to get more complex. It’s a great time to take a second look at the annual price increases for the carriers you use. Our shipping software helps you print labels and save on carrier rates like USPS, UPS, and FedEx and more. We make it easy choose the right carrier and price for every package you send. Let's talk.

Learn more about our shipping software Log in to your Pitney Bowes shipping solution and save

USPS temporary rate increases for the 2024 holiday shipping season

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced temporary rate increases for the 2024 peak holiday season, pending approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The peak surcharges are in line with the other major parcel carrier surcharges and are implemented to cover the extra handling costs associated with the holiday shipping surge. The new rates apply to Retail and Commercial prices for Priority Mail^®, and USPS Ground Advantage™ and Priority Mail Express packages from October 6, 2024, through January 18, 2025. No other USPS products or services are affected.

This temporary price increase is part of the broader USPS Delivering for America 10-year plan, which aims to revitalize the organization and achieve its public service mission.

Please note, if you are using Pitney Bowes shipping software to print USPS shipping labels, then many of your packages up to 20 lbs are not impacted by these surcharges. With Pitney Bowes software, like PitneyShip^®, you have access to special USPS rates* that are lower than commercial prices.

For complete details on the new pricing below, please visit the Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

2024 Shipping Deadlines for Holiday Packages

USPS Ground Advantage^® Service: December 18
First-Class Mail^® Service: December 18
Priority Mail^® Service: December 19
Priority Mail Express^® Service: December 21

For a complete list of holiday shipping deadlines, click here.

*Packages sent to select zones, weighing 20 lbs. or less.

How can you continue to get the best shipping rates?

The carrier peak shipping rate adjusments may affect your costs this holiday season. Shippers using Pitney Bowes can offset these increases with access to discounted shipping rates across multiple carriers. The ever-changing rates and other market volatility make it more important than ever to have a multicarrier shipping strategy. Our simple, and powerful cloud software makes it easy to select the right carrier, service and rate for every package. With Pitney Bowes, you can be prepared for rate changes, automate your shipping and mailing, and focus on what really matters during the holiday season.

USPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Rate Adjustments

Priority Mail

Flat Rate Envelopes & Boxes	Retail	Commercial
Flat Rate Envelope	$0.60	$0.50
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$0.60	$0.50
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$0.60	$0.50
Small Flat Rate Box	$0.60	$0.50
Medium Flat Rate Box	$0.90	$0.85
Large Flat Rate Box	$1.25	$1.20

Letters, Large Envelopes, Parcels	Retail	Commercial
0-3lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.40	$0.30
0-3lb package, Zones 5-9	$0.90	$0.70
4-10lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.55	$0.45
4-10lb package, Zones 5-9	$1.45	$1.25
11-25lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.95	$0.75
11-25lb package, Zones 5-9	$3.25	$2.75
26-70lb package, Zones 1-4	$4.00	$3.00
26-70lb package, Zones 5-9	$8.50	$7.00

Ground Advantage

	Retail	Commercial
0-3lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.40	$0.30
0-3lb package, Zones 5-9	$0.50	$0.35
4-10lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.55	$0.45
4-10lb package, Zones 5-9	$1.00	$0.75
11-25lb package, Zones 1-4	$0.95	$0.75
11-25lb package, Zones 5-9	$2.00	$1.25
26-70lb package, Zones 1-4	$4.00	$3.00
26-70lb package, Zones 5-9	$5.85	$5.50

Priority Mail Express

Flat Rate Envelopes & Boxes	Retail	Commercial
Flat Rate Envelope	$1.55	$1.55
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$1.55	$1.55
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$1.55	$1.55

Letters, Large Envelopes, Parcels	Retail	Commercial
0-3lb package, Zones 1-4	$1.10	$1.00
0-3lb package, Zones 5-9	$2.00	$1.75
4-10lb package, Zones 1-4	$2.00	$1.50
4-10lb package, Zones 5-9	$4.85	$3.95
11-25lb package, Zones 1-4	$3.90	$3.50
11-25lb package, Zones 5-9	$9.00	$7.50
26-70lb package, Zones 1-4	$9.75	$8.95
26-70lb package, Zones 5-9	$16.00	$13.00

Rate Change Support

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*SendSuite^® Express and SendSuite Live software solutions do not support compliance with these new regulations. Your company’s Hazmat Compliance Officer will be able to assist you in ensuring your business is in compliance with the new USPS Hazmat regulations and take the necessary steps to mitigate any risk.

USPS® Shipping and Mailing Price Changes