The 2020 USPS postage rate increase is just around the corner. Here are some FAQs to help you better understand the upcoming changes.
When do the new USPS rates start?
The 2020 USPS postage rates go into effect on Sunday, January 26, 2020.
Is the price of a First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) increasing in 2020?
First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) rates ARE NOT increasing for 2020. If you purchase postage at the Post Office, the rate will remain $0.55. If you print postage online (via Stamps. com), the Metered Mail rate will remain $0.50 in 2020, a 5 cent discount off the Post Office price. Each additional ounce will cost $0.15 (no change from 2019).
When printing postage online for First Class Mail letters, do I get a discounted rate?
Yes, customers who print postage using Stamps.com save 5 cents per letter, paying only $0.50 instead of $0.55 (Post Office rate) – a 9% savings! This discount is known as the “Metered Mail” rate and is available for all postage printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com or through a postage meter.
Can I buy $0.50 “Metered Mail” rate postage stamps at the Post Office?
No, the “Metered Mail” rate of $0.50 postage stamps can only be printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com or through a postage meter. The “Metered Mail” $0.50 stamps cannot be purchased at the Post Office.
When printing shipping labels online, do I get a discounted rate?
Yes, customers who print postage online automatically qualify for discounted shipping rates (known as Commercial Base pricing) when purchasing Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or First Class Package Service. This discount applies for both domestic and international deliveries. These discounted rates are automatically calculated when you print a shipping label inside the Stamps.com platform.
What is the maximum weight of First Class Package Service?
The maximum weight for First Class Package Service is 15.999 ounces. It’s important to note that 15.999 ounces is lower than 1 lb. (16 ounces). When packages that use First Class Package Service are determined to weigh 16 ounces or more, the USPS will automatically increase the mail service to Priority Mail, and the additional cost will be taken out of your Stamps.com account.
Does Stamps.com have an option to ship merchandise using First Class Mail International Large Envelopes/ Flats?
Yes! Stamps.com provides a service for online retailers to ship merchandise in a Large Envelope/Flat to an International destination at a significant cost savings compared to First Class Package International Service. The savings can be $10.00 or higher using International Flats compared to First Class Package International Service.
Did the USPS Dimensional (DIM) Weight divisor change?
Yes, back in June 2019, the USPS changed the DIM divisor for packages over 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) from 194 to 166. DIM pricing is applied to all packages over 1 cubic foot for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Parcel Select Ground.
The USPS was in the news regarding international shipping and the Universal Postal Union. Has anything changed with USPS International Shipping?
In September 2019, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) agreed to allow certain countries, including the U.S., to change the international shipping rates for small packages/bulky letters being imported into host countries. While USPS International Shipping services will remain unchanged, it’s possible the rates to ship items from the U.S. to international destinations could increase starting July 1, 2020, based on the UPU agreement.
I am a Stamps.com customer. Do I need to take any actions to get the new rates after January 26, 2020?
No, if you are a Stamps.com customer, you do not need to take any action. Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 26, 2020.
