Updated as of 1/20/25.
The United States Postal Service (USPS®) adjusts postage rates at least once a year, and sometimes more frequently. These changes can have an impact on your mailing and shipping costs, that’s why we’re committed to keeping you informed so you can manage your expenses effectively.
In this blog, we’ll break down the latest USPS rate changes and show you how we can help you stay on top of these changes.
The good news? We’re dedicated to providing you with best-in-class discounted rates on USPS mail classes and shipping services. Even with rate changes, you can rely on us to offer great savings and help you make the most of your budget.
What are rate changes?
Rate changes are regular adjustments to shipping and mailing prices, implemented by the carrier in response to factors such as fuel cost fluctuations, inflation, and operational enhancements. These adjustments, often referred to as rate changes or rate adjustments, are designed to keep carriers competitive, maintain their financial stability, and ensure they continue providing reliable services to customers.
January 2025 Rate Changes
On January 19, 2025, the USPS will implement a number of important rate changes that could affect your business. Let’s dive into the key updates you need to know:
1. Peak Demand Surcharges End
To manage the holiday rush, USPS introduced peak demand surcharges that went into effect on October 6, 2024. These surcharges will end on January 19, 2025. Once they expire, mailing and shipping prices will return to “normal,” meaning the seasonal surcharges will no longer be added.
2. USPS Price Changes
USPS implemented service rate changes starting on January 19, 2025. See how these changes will impact the discounts we offer Stamps.com customers on USPS rates:
- Ground Advantage™: Overall, rates decreased by approximately 0.5%, with savings up to $3.03. However, some packages under one pound saw an increase of about 1.3%.
- Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Prices dropped by about 1.2%, offering savings of up to $1.69.
- Priority Mail®: This service saw the largest decrease, down about 5.7%, with some rates dropping as much as $10.50.
- Priority Mail® Flat Rate: Rates decreased by about 1.7%, with savings up to $1.30 in some areas.
- Priority Mail Cubic®: Prices decreased by about 3.4%, offering savings of up to $4.88 in certain areas.
Great news! You’ll continue to enjoy best-in-class discounts on USPS rates when you print stamps or shipping labels through Stamps.com. Check the table below to see how much you can save compared to what you’d pay at the Post Office:
Discounts are calculated based on a comparison to USPS Retail Rates.
3. Changes to the Rural ZIP Code List
In September 2024, USPS identified a specific list of rural ZIP Codes. The updated list now reflects 12 fewer rural ZIP Codes, with some being removed and others added. To check if a particular ZIP Code is affected by these changes, please contact our support team for assistance.
4. Postage Price Changes
USPS is making adjustments to Retail and Commercial Shipping Rates starting January 19, 2025.
It’s important to note that the Postal Service will not be raising prices in January for Mailing Services, therefore, the price of a First-Class™ Stamp will remain unchanged.
These adjustments aim to keep USPS competitive while addressing its revenue needs.
5. New Live Animal and Perishable Handling Fees
Starting January 19, 2025, USPS will implement a new handling fee for all shipments containing live animals or perishable items:
- Priority Mail Express®: $7.50 per label
- Priority Mail®: $15.00 per label
- Ground Advantage™: $7.50 per label
This fee reflects the additional resources required to safely handle and transport these items.
How we can help
Navigating rate changes doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re committed to providing the tools and resources you need to stay informed and save on mailing and shipping.
Here’s how we support our customers:
- Enjoy Discounted Rates: We offer you discounts of up to 89% off USPS rates, helping you save even as rates adjust.
- Access Helpful Resources: We provide resources to keep you informed about industry trends, including rate changes, demand surcharges, and dynamic pricing.
- Utilize Cost-Saving Features: We have tools to help calculate postage and find savings opportunities, offering clear insights and streamlining your daily tasks.
- Expert Support: Our help center and support team are ready to assist with any questions or concerns, including rate changes and carrier-specific details.
We’ll keep this blog updated with the latest USPS changes, so bookmark this page to easily access future updates.
