On February 10th, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service® announced that pricing for mailing services
will change on Sunday, May 10th, 2009. As always, Endicia® is working to ensure that you are
ready. Prior to May 11th, your Endicia software will automatically update to a new version that
includes the new prices. Please allow this update to be performed when you are prompted. If you
have allowed the update, the software will use the old prices through May 10th and will
automatically switch to the new prices on May 11th. A guide to the upcoming price change is
below the summaries and tips section.
Prices for the most common shipping classes, Priority Mail® and Express Mail® packages,
changed in January and will not be changing again in May. However, there are changes coming for
several common shipping classes as well as changes in fees for extra services that customers who
ship packages should be aware of. The Quick Summary for Parcel Shipping and Fulfillment gives an
overview of changes likely to affect shipping.
If you send First-Class Mail® letters and envelopes, Certified Mail™, Registered
Mail™ or use extra services like Delivery Confirmation™ or Signature
Confirmation™, the Quick Summary for Office Mail will cover most of the changes likely
to affect you.
For customers who primarily print postage for business mail, the following changes are most
likely to affect your activities:
The price for a one ounce First-Class Mail letter will increase by two cents. The additional
ounce rate will remain 17 cents. New First-Class Mail prices
www.usps.com/prices.
Certified Mail service will increase by 10 cents to $2.80.
First-Class Mail International™ prices will change in May. New First-Class Mail
International Prices click here.
For institutions approved to send Library class mail, prices will be changing. New Library Mail
Prices
The Intelligent Mail® Barcode is a new requirement that applies to letters and flats,
effectively replacing the current POSTNET™ barcode. While you don’t need to do anything
special to comply, the Intelligent Mail Barcode is .25" longer than the POSTNET and may require
you to reposition the address block in some of your layout files. Your Endicia software will
prompt you if repositioning needs to take place.
For businesses producing their own presort (bulk) mailings, the prices for First-Class Mail and
Standard Mail® automation letters, flats, and postcards are also changing in May. Detailed
information on the new rates may be found at the . For more information
about Endicia’s presort software products .
While prices for the most common shipping classes, Priority Mail and Express Mail packages, will
not be changing again in May, there are the changes coming in May that will impact shipping. Here’s
an overview:
Prices for extra services including Delivery Confirmation, Signature Confirmation, COD and
USPS® Insurance will be changing including:
Domestic extra services prices
International extra services prices
Prices for the following package classes will be changing including a significant
simplification of Parcel Post® pricing:
Media Mail® prices
Parcel Post prices
Library Mail prices
All First-Class Mail and First-Class Mail International prices will be changing including:
First-Class Parcel prices
First-Class International Parcel prices
The Intelligent Mail Barcode is a new requirement that applies to letters and flats,
effectively replacing the current POSTNET barcode. While you don’t need to do anything
special to comply, the Intelligent Mail Barcode is .25" longer than the POSTNET and may
require you to reposition the address block in some of your layout files. Your Endicia software
will prompt you if repositioning needs to take place.
Even though prices will be going up, there are things you can do to lessen the impact of these
changes on your bottom line. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your shipping budget.
Save with the USPS:
Use USPS Free Packaging
The USPS provides a wide variety of Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging free of charge.
Visit their store site to order your free packaging.
Use Flat-Rate Options, Including International
Items sent domestically using USPS Flat-Rate envelopes and boxes are the same price no matter
what the weight. Visit shop.usps.com to see what
options are available. You may be able to save on smaller heavier packages such as books:
Keep in mind that there are weight limits for some of the International Flat-Rate packaging. Weight
limits vary for different classes and sizes so make sure you know if there is a limit for what you're
using:
Intl. Flat-Rate Packaging
Commercial Base Price Canada and Mexico
Retail Price All Other Countries
Commercial Base Price All Other Countries
Priority Mail Intl. Flat-Rate Envelope (up to 4lbs.)
$10.95
$10.40
$12.95
$12.30
Priority Mail Intl. Small Flat-Rate Box (up to 4lbs.)
$10.95
$10.40
$12.95
$12.30
Priority Mail Intl. Regular Flat-Rate Box (up to 20lbs.)
$25.95
$24.65
$41.95
$39.85
Priority Mail Intl. Large Flat-Rate Box (up to 20lbs.)
$32.95
$31.30
$53.95
$51.25
Express Mail Intl. Flat-Rate Envelope (can be any weight)
$25.95
$23.87
$27.95
$24.71
Assess Multi-Carrier Options
If you use a private carrier for your shipping, you should evaluate whether the new USPS prices,
including the flat rate boxes, can trim your shipping costs.
Consider moving some or all of your overnight shipping to Express Mail and Priority Mail. With two
levels of commercial discount pricing available and with overnight delivery service standard scores of
96% and two-day delivery service standard scores of 92%, the USPS is a cost-effective way to send your
expedited packages. more info
Re-think Your Shipping Class and Packaging:
As of May 14th, 2007, the USPS made changes to the way certain classes of mail were classified and priced.
For instance First-Class Mail was separated into four groups (postcard, letter, flat and parcel) rather than
two (postcard, letter). Here are some reminders about how best to take advantage of those changes:
Use First-Class Parcel for your package shipping when your package is less than 13 ounces. Because
First-Class Parcel (unlike the other First-Class types) is considered a shipping class, you can still use
Delivery Confirmation and other package services. You may find that the money you save on the postage
will make up for the cost of providing your own box and paying $0.18 for Delivery Confirmation.
Don’t forget that shape and size play a role in postage cost.
Try to redesign a mail piece so that it fits in a regular-size letter rather than a large envelope.
You can use First-Class Mail Letter and save on the postage.
Likewise, you can send your items in a large envelope rather than a box and save on postage.
If your shipping boxes are larger than a cubic foot, you are charged more (not sure what size your
box is?) If you have Endicia, you can just fill in the box dimensions when you print your label. If
dimensional weight applies, the software will alert you. If you don’t have Endicia, here’s a guide
to dimensional weight.
Save with Endicia:
Use an Online Postage Service like Endicia
All of the Priority Mail and Express Mail prices offer discounts for using online postage.
Endicia monthly fee service plans enable you to take advantage of these discounts.
The following Endicia service plans support Commercial Base Discounts: Endicia® Standard, Endicia®
Premium, Endicia® for Mac, Endicia® Professional, and Platinum Shipper™.
These service levels also allow you to take advantage of Commercial Plus Pricing. High volumes of Express
Mail and Priority Mail shipping can qualify for these higher discounts. Learn more about
Commercial Plus Pricing.
Please note that these discounts are not available for DYMO™ Printable Postage or DYMO®
Stamps™. If you use these services and you regularly send Express Mail and Priority Mail,
you should look into upgrading to Endicia Standard. Depending on your mail volume in these classes, you
may find that your savings with Commercial Base Discounts cover the cost of the monthly service fees.
Use the Right Service for your Mailing Needs:
Endicia offers a wide range of solutions to fit most mailing needs. Here is a breakdown of the savings offered
by each service:
DYMO Stamps and DYMO Printable Postage No Monthly Fee Services:
Print exactly the amount of postage you need rather than putting an extra stamp on an envelope.
Avoid extra trips to the Post Office™
For larger or heavier envelopes.
For most common package classes.
Endicia Standard at $9.95 a Month:
Print shipping labels that qualify for discounts including
Delivery Confirmation
Signature Confirmation
Priority Mail (Domestic and International)
Express Mail (Domestic and International)
Save with Endicia’s integrated parcel insurance that is cheaper and easier to use than USPS Insurance.
Endicia Premium at $15.95 a Month:
Get deeper discounts on Endicia’s integrated parcel insurance.
Postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats) and small packages can be sent using First-Class
Mail. This service is ideal for sending personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten
letters, and bills or statements of account. It may also be used for advertisements and
lightweight merchandise. First-Class Mail prices are based on both the shape and weight of the
item being mailed. For items weighing more than 13 ounces, use Priority Mail. (This definition
and all of the class definitions can be hidden in a link. I just think it’s useful to have
the requirements for a class in case someone is considering changing to it.)
Mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded
computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain
advertising except for incidental announcements of books. The maximum weight for Media Mail
is 70 lbs and no more than 108" in combined length and girth.
Use Parcel Post when sending small and large packages, thick envelopes and tubes containing
gifts and merchandise, delivery to all US addresses-including PO Boxes and military addresses,
Saturday and residential deliveries at no extra cost. Package can weigh up to 70 pounds and
measure up to 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part.
A non-machinable surcharge will no longer apply after May 11, 2009. Local
and Intra-BMC/ASF have been streamlined into one listing and will be zone-based after May
11, 2009.
Library Mail is for items sent to, from, or between academic institutions, public libraries,
museums, and other qualified organizations. Content is limited to books, sound recordings,
academic theses, and certain other items. Library Mail can be up to 70 lbs and no more than
108" in combined length and girth.
Weight Not Over (pounds)
Large Envelopes & Parcels
(2008 Price)
Large Envelopes & Parcels (2009 Price)
Change
Percent Change
1
$2.23
$2.38
$0.15
7%
2
$2.58
$2.77
$0.19
7%
3
$2.93
$3.16
$0.23
8%
5
$3.63
$3.94
$0.31
9%
10
$5.38
$5.89
$0.51
9%
BPM (Bound Printed Matter) Pricing
Although Endicia users can print shipping labels without postage for BPM, this class of
mail is no longer accepted at retail counters, in collection boxes, or by carriers. Use of
this class now requires a permit imprint. For more information on new prices for BPM, please
visit the USPS Price Change page.
For more information on BPM requirements visit Endicia FAQ's.
International Registered Mail service will increase by 70 cents to $11.50
Restricted Delivery
International Restricted Delivery service will increase by 20 cents to $4.50 (Must be used in conjunction with another service.)
Return Receipt
International Return Receipt service will increase by 10 cents to $2.30 (Requested at time of mailing and must be used in conjunction with another service.)
On November 13th, 2008, the US Postal Service announced that pricing for shipping services will
change on Sunday, January 18th 2009. Prior to January 18th, your Endicia software will
automatically update to a new version that includes the new prices. Please allow this update to
be performed when you are prompted. If you have allowed the update, the software will use the old
prices through January 17th and will automatically switch to the new prices on January 18th.
The USPS selected January 18th for the price change to the shipping services classes to be
consistent with industry-wide practices. With the higher rates and additional surcharges of
both the UPS and FedEx, which are effective in early January, the USPS price change will be
competitive in the shipping services sector. With this price change, the USPS will still be
positioned as the most cost-effective carrier for small packages.
Price changes for mailing services, including stamp prices, will be announced in February
and will be effective in May 2009.
Price Change Overview
Prices will change on Sunday, January 18th, for Express Mail, Priority Mail,
Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, and some international shipping products.
Overall, shipping services prices will increase an average of 5 percent. The
complete list of new prices is available at
www.usps.com/prices.
Customers using PC postage will save even more over retail with increased Commercial
Base discounts. Commercial Base savings over retail will increase from 3% to 5% for Express
Mail and from an average of 3.5% to an average of 4.7% for Priority Mail. All Endicia
customers have access to Commercial Base prices.
The USPS has announced that they will offer three pricing platforms-Retail (Retail Price is
the standard counter price for postage at the Post Office), Commercial Base (available to anyone
who uses a PC Postage provider, such as Endicia), and Commercial Plus pricing, which is new
for 2009. Commercial Plus is an extraordinary value for high-volume Express Mail and Priority
Mail users. Commercial Plus customers will save 14.5% on Express Mail and, on average, 7% on
Priority Mail from retail prices. To learn more about Commercial Plus pricing
click here. All
Endicia customers have access to commercial discounts through the DAZzle software.
The USPS is introducing a Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, priced at $4.80, for domestic
delivery. The box is the same price as the Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope, and at $4.80,
they are the least expensive flat-rate package options. The box measures 8 5/8" x 5 3/8" x
1 5/8", about the size of a video cassette. The box will also be available for international
delivery, with a maximum weight of 4 pounds. It will cost $10.40 for delivery to Canada and
Mexico and $12.30 for delivery to all other countries. As with all USPS flat-rate packaging,
the new box is free to customers.
Commercial volume rebates will be eliminated on January 18, 2009. Any rebate earned from
January 1st – 17th will be credited to the qualifying mail owner’s account at the end of the
quarter. Commercial Plus pricing and the increase in Commercial Base discounts are replacing
the commercial volume rebate program.
The average retail price increases per service are as follows:
Priority Mail: 3.9%
Express Mail: 5.7%
Parcel Select: 5.9%
Parcel Return Service: 5.3%
International Shipping: 8.5%
Resisting the urge to follow UPS and FedEx, the USPS has announced that they will not add a
fuel surcharge for 2009, which is a tremendous advantage for shippers using the USPS.
On average, Priority Mail retail prices will increase by 3.9 percent, while
Priority Mail Commercial Base prices will average 4.7 percent less than
retail prices. Priority Mail Commercial Plus customers will save, on average,
7 percent from retail prices.
Priority Mail Breakdown 2009
Weight (lbs.)
2009 Retail Price
2009 Commercial Price
Commercial Price savings from Retail
2009 Commercial Plus
Commercial Plus savings from Commercial Price
1
$4.95
$4.80
$0.15
$4.75
$0.05
2
$6.77
$6.43
$0.34
$6.21
$0.22
3
$8.62
$8.07
$0.55
$7.83
$0.25
4
$10.25
$9.61
$0.64
$9.39
$0.22
5
$11.89
$11.11
$0.61
$10.83
$0.29
10
$19.50
$18.38
$0.78
$10.83
$0.29
Flat Rate Envelope
$4.95
$4.80
$0.15
$4.75
$0.05
Flat Rate Small Box
$4.95
$4.80
$0.15
$4.75
$0.05
Flat Rate Box
$10.35
$9.85
$0.50
$9.67
$0.18
Flat Rate Large Box
$13.95
$13.50
$0.45
$13.27
$0.23
Flat Rate Large Box APO/FPO
$11.95
$11.50
$0.45
$11.30
$0.20
Information above is based on average cost of all zones.
Express Mail Pricing
On average, Express Mail retail prices will increase by 5.7 percent, while Express
Mail Commercial Base prices will increase by approximately 3.7 percent. Express Mail
Commercial Plus customers will save, on average, 14.5 percent from retail prices.
Express Mail Breakdown 2009
Weight (lbs.)
2009 Commercial Price
Commercial Price savings from Retail
2009 Commercial Plus
Commercial Plus savings from Commercial Price
1
$21.38
$1.12
$19.24
$2.14
2
$23.30
$1.22
$20.97
$2.33
3
$26.34
$1.39
$23.70
$2.64
4
$29.45
$1.55
$26.51
$2.94
5
$32.46
$1.71
$29.21
$3.25
10
$48.12
$2.53
$43.31
$4.81
Flat Rate
$16.63
$0.87
$14.96
$1.67
Information above is based on average cost of all zones.
Notes: Retail price is the standard counter price for postage at the Post Office. Commercial price is the price available to Endicia users selecting Delivery Confirmation. The retail and commercial prices listed are averages of the zone pricing for that weight.
International Pricing
International pricing for USPS customers will increase on average by 8.5 percent. While
this may seem significant, the USPS is following industry-wide practices, and their
international shipping services still remain the best value in the marketplace. USPS
customers will not be struck by hidden surcharges on international pricing. For Express
Mail International and Priority Mail International, the USPS is expanding from 9 price
groups to 10 price groups. Price group 10 is being created for items sent to Australia
and New Zealand.
USPS products are priced lower than comparable services of other international carriers.
Express Mail International is priced up to 45 percent below the prices of private carriers.
Priority Mail International is priced up to 60 percent below the prices of private carriers.
Express Mail International
The average price increase for Express Mail International will be 8.5 percent, but Endicia customers will continue to save 8 percent from retail prices.
Express Mail Intl - Commercial
Lbs.
Canada
Mexico
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Avg.
1
$27.60
$27.14
$28.98
$28.98
$29.90
$28.98
$31.28
$30.82
$29.90
$29.90
$29.35
2
$30.82
$30.59
$33.35
$32.89
$34.04
$32.89
$35.65
$35.42
$34.04
$34.73
$33.44
3
$34.04
$34.04
$37.72
$36.80
$38.18
$36.80
$40.02
$40.02
$38.18
$39.56
$37.54
4
$37.26
$37.49
$42.09
$40.71
$42.32
$40.71
$44.39
$44.62
$42.32
$44.39
$41.63
5
$40.48
$40.94
$46.46
$44.62
$46.46
$44.62
$48.76
$49.22
$46.46
$49.62
$45.77
10
$55.43
$58.19
$68.31
$61.78
$66.01
$68.77
$72.91
$72.22
$70.61
$76.13
$67.05
Flat Rate Envelope
$23.87
$23.87
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.71
$25.35
Priority Mail International
The average price increase for Priority Mail International will be 8.5 percent, but Endicia customers will continue to save 5 percent from retail prices.