The United States Postal Service will implement a postage rate change effective January 22. Here’s a brief overview to help you plan for these changes.
FIRST-CLASS MAIL®
• Letters (1 ounce): 1-cent increase to 45 cents (the first increase since May 2009)
• Postcards: 3-cent increase to 32 cents (more than a 10-percent increase)
• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 ounce): 5-cent increase to 85 cents
• Letters to other international destinations: 7-cent increase to $1.05
STANDARD MAIL®
• Presorted Standard Mail letter rates will increase between 0.3 cents to 0.6 cents.
NONPROFIT MAIL
• Rates will vary with most rates decreasing between 0.2 cents to 0.3 cents.
• There is a small increase for pieces larger than 6 inches by 11 inches. Nonprofits that mail an 8.5-inch-by-11-inch newsletter can avoid this increase and mail at the lower rate by folding the piece in half to 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches. They can also place the newsletter in a 6-inch-by-9-inch envelope and still qualify for the lower rate.
SPECIAL OFFER
The USPS will offer a free second ounce to customers sending presorted First-Class Mail letters. With the new postage rate change, presorted First-Class Mail pieces that weigh up to 2 ounces will now mail at the same rate as 1-ounce mail. The offer is aimed at increasing the use of presorted First-Class Mail to send bills and statements, which could help improve collection times. It is also an opportunity for mailers to add a supplemental piece or two to their letters.
REMEMBER
The USPS will be closed January 16 and February 20.
