New Mailing Services Pricing: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced that it will increase the prices of its mailing services starting from July 9, 2023. This is the second price hike in 2023, following the previous one that took effect on January 22, 2023. The USPS says that these price adjustments are necessary to address the continued elevated inflation and the prior years defective pricing model. The new prices will also help the USPS achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan. How much is USPS New Mailing Services Pricing?

How Much Will the Prices Increase?

The new rates include a three-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents. This means that sending a one-ounce letter within the U.S. will cost you 5.4 percent more than before. The price for one-ounce metered mail will also increase to 63 cents, and the price to send a domestic postcard will increase to 51 cents. A one-ounce letter or postcard mailed to another country would increase to $1.50.

The table below summarizes the proposed mailing services price changes:

There will be no change to the single-piece letter and flat additional-ounce price, which remains at 24 cents.

The USPS is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products such as Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.

Why Are the Prices Increasing?

The USPS says that these price increases are needed to provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan. The plan aims to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The USPS also says that these price adjustments are necessary to address the continued elevated inflation and the prior years defective pricing model. The USPS has been facing financial challenges for years due to declining mail volumes, rising operating costs, legislative mandates and competitive pressures. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated these challenges by disrupting mail delivery and increasing expenses.

The USPS claims that its prices remain among the most affordable in the world, and that it receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

How Will This Affect You?

If you are a regular user of mailing services, you will have to pay more for sending letters, postcards and packages within or outside the U.S. You may also have to pay more for using special services such as Certified Mail or Post Office Box rental.

If you are a business owner or a marketer who relies on direct mail campaigns, you will have to adjust your budget and strategy accordingly. You may have to find ways to optimize your mailing list, reduce your mail volume or frequency, or switch to alternative channels such as email or social media.

If you are a consumer who receives mail from businesses or organizations, you may notice a change in the quantity or quality of the mail you receive. You may receive fewer offers, coupons or catalogs, or they may be less personalized or customized.

What Can You Do?

If you want to save money on mailing services, you can consider some of the following options:

• Use online tools such as stamps.com or usps.com to print postage labels and pay for postage online now. You can save up to 10 percent on postage rates compared to buying stamps at the Post Office.
• Use metered mail instead of stamps for your letters. You can save three cents per letter by using a postage meter or an online postage service.
• Use flat rate boxes or envelopes for your packages. You can save money by paying a fixed rate regardless of the weight or destination of your package.
• Use online bill pay or electronic statements instead of paper bills or statements. You can save money on postage and paper, as well as reduce clutter and environmental impact.
• Compare prices and services of different carriers such as UPS, FedEx or DHL. You may find cheaper or faster options for your shipping needs.
• Buy USPS postage stamps at The USPS Stamps, you can still get 20% Off. Buy them now can save much more.

Conclusion

The USPS is raising the prices of its mailing services for the second time in 2023, effective from July 9, 2023. The new rates include a three-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents. The USPS says that these price adjustments are needed to address the continued elevated inflation and the prior years defective pricing model, and to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan. The price increases will affect both individuals and businesses who use mailing services, and they may have to find ways to save money or switch to alternative channels. The USPS claims that its prices remain among the most affordable in the world, and that it receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

I hope you find this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Thank you for reading! 😊

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Steven Harris

Currently working at USPS in Chicago, he has more than 15 years of experience in bulk mailing and logistics. His columns focus on Forever Stamp trends, helping businesses and individuals make cost‑effective mailing decisions.