The U.S. Postal Service will implement new postage rates in 2015 (Date: TBD) for several mail classes. Here is a quick look at what to expect once the changes take effect.
Summary of Domestic 2015 USPS Postage Rate Updates
- First Class letters and postcards. The rate for a 1-ounce First Class letter will remain $0.49, but additional ounces will increase one cent to $0.22. Postcard rates go up one cent was well, to $0.35. Users who print online postage or use a postage meter will see an increase of $0.005 from $0.48 to $0.485 in 2015. See the table below for details.
- Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express costs will not increase in 2015.
- Priority Mail Express Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. The rates for these pieces will not increase in 2015.
- Priority Mail. These rates will not increase in 2015.
- Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. These rates will remain the same as last year.
- Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes. This lower-cost option for packages traveling shorter distance will not see a rate increase in 2015.
- First Class Package Service. Be prepared for an average increase of 5.1%. However, bear in mind that for packages that weigh 13 ounces or fewer, First Class Package Service is still the lowest-cost option to ship to U.S. addresses. View the increases for different package weights below.
- Parcel Select (non-presort). This ground shipping product will increase an average of 9.8%. Still, while the rate is going up, USPS has also lowered Parcel Select prices in certain shipping zones. Below is a table showing both increases and decreases in price.
- Media Mail. Media Mail rates will go up an average of 6.2%, but this mail class remains an excellent low-cost option for books, videos and other products that qualify. The increases are outlined below.
Summary of International 2015 USPS Postage Rate Updates
- First Class letters and postcards. The price of a 1-ounce First Class letter to an international destination will increase 5 cents to $1.20. Postcard rates also increase by 5 cents to $1.20.
- First Class Package International Service. The overall increase will be 7.2%, depending on weight. This remains the cheapest option of all carriers for international shipments and includes tracking for popular destination countries, including Canada, Australia and the U.K.
- Priority Mail International. The overall increase for this mail class will be 5.5%; in addition, USPS will introduce Zone-based pricing for packages headed to Canada.
- Priority Mail Express International. The overall increase will be 6.7%.
- Global Express Guaranteed. The overall increase will be 7.2%.
The Bottom Line
On April 26, all of these revised rates will be automatically updated inside both Stamps.com’s software and website. Stamps.com customers need not make any changes. You will be able to view the rates automatically and continue your shipping practices as usual.
