Postage, Mailing and Distribution Archives | 杏吧原创 Book, Magazine & Catalog Printing Company Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:56:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.10 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-杏吧原创-W-transparent-black-white-circle-32x32.png Postage, Mailing and Distribution Archives | 杏吧原创 32 32 USPS Announces Shipping Rate Increases for 2025 /blog/usps-shipping-rate-increases-jan-2025 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:56:50 +0000 /?p=9645 On Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for price increases on Competitive shipping services that would take effect on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.  This measure would raise shipping prices by approximately 3.2 percent for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, 3.9 percent for...

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On Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for price increases on Competitive shipping services that would take effect on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. 

This measure would raise shipping prices by approximately 3.2 percent for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, 3.9 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 9.2 percent for Parcel Select. These changes to Competitive products come on the heels of September鈥檚 announcement that the USPS would not seek price increases on Market Dominant products in January.

These price increases are part of an effort by the USPS to remain competitive in consideration of market conditions while still providing consistent service across the United States. : 鈥淎s a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, the proposed shipping services price changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving the organization鈥檚 public service mission 鈥 providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week 鈥 in a cost effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term.鈥

These proposed changes will be reviewed by the PRC before they are scheduled to take effect.

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Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) Announces Strike /blog/cupw-strike-nov-2024 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:55:11 +0000 /?p=9639 On Friday, Nov. 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced its intention to begin a national strike, affecting Canada Post鈥檚 operations across the country and interrupting service for millions of Canadian businesses and individuals. This news comes just days after Canada Post received strike notices from the union on...

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On Friday, Nov. 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced its intention to begin a national strike, affecting Canada Post鈥檚 operations across the country and interrupting service for millions of Canadian businesses and individuals. This news comes just days after Canada Post received strike notices from the union on Nov. 12. 

What Should Customers Expect?

, customers should expect delays due to the strike activity. 鈥淢ail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed. Service guarantees will be impacted for items already in the postal network. No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over.鈥 However, Canada Post assures customers that items will be delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume. To stay up to date on the status of negotiations, visit .

What Does This Mean for 杏吧原创 Customers?

This strike will likely affect 杏吧原创 customers who send mail items across the border. According to our Canadian mail vendors, they will continue to accept Canadian mail and hold it until the strike ceases and normal mailing operations resume. However, this protocol could change if the strike lasts longer than expected.

杏吧原创 customers who have any specific questions about how this strike will affect their mailing should contact their Customer Service Representative for more information. Customers who use an outside mailing vendor should contact them directly for more information about how they鈥檙e navigating this strike.

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DeJoy Has Spoken: No Postal Rate Increases in January /blog/usps-update-no-january-rate-increases Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:45:39 +0000 /?p=9062 On Sept. 20, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it would not raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products. Market Dominant mail categories include First-Class Mail; Marketing Mail; Periodicals; Package Services Mail (Bound Printed Matter/Media and Library Mail) and some Ancillary Special Services. In accordance with the Delivering for America 10-year plan,...

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On Sept. 20, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it would not raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products. Market Dominant mail categories include First-Class Mail; Marketing Mail; Periodicals; Package Services Mail (Bound Printed Matter/Media and Library Mail) and some Ancillary Special Services. In accordance with the Delivering for America 10-year plan, this decision aims to keep postal rates and services affordable; United States postal rates remain among the lowest in the world.

Read the full announcement below.


A recommendation by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy not to raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class Mail, was accepted by the Governors of the United States Postal Service. Accordingly, the price of a stamp to mail a 1-once single-piece First-Class letter will not increase.

The Postal Service鈥檚 operational strategies are designed to boost service reliability, cost efficiency, and overall productivity.

鈥淥ur strategies are working, and projected inflation is declining,鈥 said Postmaster General DeJoy. 鈥淭herefore, we will wait until at least July before proposing any increases for market dominant services.鈥

The Postal Service remains committed to continued cost saving measures and to keeping its products and services affordable. Only a handful of countries have a lower price for a domestic single-piece letter.

Lastly, the Postal Service continues to deliver on the tenets of the 10-year plan, while executing our public service mission 鈥 to provide a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week 鈥 in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress intended and the law requires.

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U.S. Postal Service Proposes Temporary Rate Changes for 2024 Holiday Shipping Season /blog/2024-holiday-rate-changes Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:29:36 +0000 /?p=8934 In an effort to ensure smooth operations and on-time delivery during the upcoming peak season, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced on Thursday, Sept. 5 their intention to temporarily increase prices on select package services in the coming months. The rate increases would affect select commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels, including Priority Mail...

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In an effort to ensure smooth operations and on-time delivery during the upcoming peak season, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced on Thursday, Sept. 5 their intention to temporarily increase prices on select package services in the coming months.

The rate increases would affect select commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels, including Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM) and USPS Ground Advantage. Assuming the changes are approved by the Postal Regulatory Committee (PRC), these price increases would go into effect on Oct. 6, 2024, and cease on Jan. 18, 2025.

In their update, the DMM Advisory wrote:

The U.S. Postal Service filed notice today with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding a temporary price change for some package services for the 2024 peak holiday season. This temporary price adjustment is to help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.

The planned peak-season pricing, which was approved by the governors of the Postal Service on Aug. 8, would affect prices on the following commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM) and USPS Ground Advantage. No other products or services would be affected. Pending favorable review by the PRC, the temporary rates would go into effect at midnight Central on Oct. 6 and remain in place until midnight Central on Jan. 19, 2025.

This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service鈥檚 commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices.

As a strategic part of the 10-year plan, these temporary changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission 鈥 providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week 鈥 in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended.

The planned price changes include:

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zone 1-4

Commercial:

  • $0.30 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
  • $0.45 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
  • $0.75 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $3.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Zone 5-9

  • $0.70 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $1.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $2.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $7.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

USPS Ground Advantage Zone 5-9

  • $0.35 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $0.75 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $1.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $5.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zone 1-4

Retail:

  • $0.40 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
  • $0.55 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
  • $0.95 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $4.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Zone 5-9

  • $0.90 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $1.45 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $3.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $8.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs

USPS Ground Advantage Zone 5-9

  • $0.50 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $1.00 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $2.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $5.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Express:

Commercial:

  • $1.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
  • $1.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $1.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
  • $3.95 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $3.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $7.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $8.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
  • $13.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Retail:

  • $1.10 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
  • $2.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
  • $2.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
  • $4.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
  • $3.90 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $9.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $9.75 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
  • $16.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

The PRC will review the proposed prices before they are scheduled to take effect on Oct. 6. Complete USPS price filings, with prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website鈥檚 Daily Listings section at . Price change tables are also available on the Postal Explorer website at .

Notably, the Postal Service has some of the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer great value in shipping.

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Streamlined Solutions for Local Magazine Printing and Distribution /blog/local-magazine-distribution Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:29:32 +0000 /?p=8616 You have a lot on your plate as a publisher of local periodicals like city/regional magazines. Many of these publications require high-end production for a readership that views them as a luxury item. Readers cherish each issue and expect it to arrive on time and in pristine condition. There鈥檚 no room for error. Yet the...

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You have a lot on your plate as a publisher of local periodicals like city/regional magazines. Many of these publications require high-end production for a readership that views them as a luxury item. Readers cherish each issue and expect it to arrive on time and in pristine condition. There鈥檚 no room for error. Yet the printing and distribution of city/regional magazines is challenging.

But that鈥檚 not your problem 鈥 it鈥檚 ours. And as an experienced printer and distributor of geographic-based publications, we have some advice.

Look Beyond Printing Presses

Don鈥檛 dwell solely on the ink-on-paper aspect. Make no mistake 鈥 it鈥檚 critically important, and you want to ensure that your print partner has advanced equipment featuring multiple print platforms. You also want to ensure that your printer has a reputation for executing special-interest magazines at the highest level.

But pay equally close attention to prepress and distribution. Those areas likewise yield big dividends in both efficiency and quality. Printing companies with distribution expertise give you a huge leg up in consistently achieving on-time delivery.

Seek Seamless Digital Workflows

PDF-based production is today鈥檚 defacto standard. You鈥檙e more than likely using it now. However, not all workflow systems are created equal. To maximize efficiency and file accuracy, you need a seamless digital workflow that links all aspects of print production as well as linking your system with the printers.

The more complex your needs, the more important technology becomes. Processes such as content management, collaborative prepress workflows and personalization/customization all rely on high technology at the front end.

But just having advanced technology isn鈥檛 enough. Your provider needs to apply it to your benefit. For instance, a provider may have great digital prepress technology, but the best will also have G7 Certification. This means you鈥檒l get the same predictable color output every time, whether your magazine is running on a digital press or an offset press鈥攔egardless of the substrate.

Obsess on File Preparation

Having noted the importance of the printer鈥檚 technology, everything starts with getting your file right. Many time-consuming errors occur because of improperly prepared files.

Although your printer will undoubtedly run your file through their own software, the cleaner and more accurate your original file the better. Anything that鈥檚 missing or out of spec causes a file to be incomplete and can result in costly delays. Sending duplicate files or previous issue files also can cause unnecessary confusion.

Set your raster and transparency settings to high resolution and be certain to arrange type in the uppermost level. Image resolution will vary by print production method and paper, but a good default standard is 300-350 dpi.

Many workflow systems also work with pages, so be sure to export your PDFs as pages using your printer鈥檚 PDF export settings 聽(these are typically available on their website or by reaching out to them). Also be sure to extend the bleed to the gutter. Note: when exporting PDFs you may get a 1/8 inch bleed from the facing page — that is expected and taken care of when imposing the pages in prepress.

Seek Mailing and Distribution Expertise

You don鈥檛 need a lecture about the cost of mail distribution. You鈥檙e all too aware that mailing costs can exceed all production costs combined.

With so much resting on this phase, you must have complete faith in your plan as well as the systems and people executing it. Best-of-class magazine printers will be front-loaded with systems for data management and mail list processing. They鈥檒l have a laser focus on minimizing postage costs and meeting critical arrival dates.

You can鈥檛 settle for second-rate solutions in this make-or-break area.

Downstream, top providers should offer advanced CoMail and pool shipping options. Keep in mind that smaller circulations often benefit more from CoMail than larger circulations. Although city/regional magazines often begin with more penetration of a specific geographic area and receive better presort levels, presenting the mail into that area can often reward work share delivery discounts.

Except for some minor design requirements and schedule flexibility, the CoMail process is pretty straightforward. The printer or service provider combines your list with the lists of other magazines to form a much larger mailing pool, resulting in lower costs. Plus, you can participate in CoMail with circulations as low as 5,000.

Seek Access to Subject Matter Experts, Education & Training

The combination of stretched personnel, lower training budgets and ever-evolving technology can create the perfect storm for disaster. You鈥檒l benefit from a printer that invests in the education and training of their own staff and yours.

You鈥檒l gain even more advantages if that printer has deep experience in the special-interest publication world. When your provider knows the ins and outs of the publication business, it takes a load off you. And with increasingly collaborative workflows, knowledge sharing is more important than ever.

Education and training can take many forms鈥攂logs, newsletters, white papers, webinars, technical sheets and both small group and one-on-one training opportunities. The availability of certified subject matter experts (think Adobe Certified Instructor or USPS Regulations Expert) is a big bonus.

Partner with 杏吧原创

We live and breathe special-interest publications. Our multiple publication facilities currently print and distribute more than 225 monthly and quarterly titles. We have a special enthusiasm for the unique role played by city/regional magazines.

That鈥檚 not just idle talk. We constantly invest in the equipment, services and solutions to meet the demands of this dynamic publishing segment. Our ability to handle quick turnarounds with ease is supported by advanced prepress workflows, multiple print platforms, a robust bindery and deep mailing and distribution know-how.

We can also help you reach your audience where they are. While print forms the core of your distribution strategy, you may also incorporate digital strategies to expand your reach, enhance engagement or address readers鈥 preferences. We can provide you with digital publishing apps, website solutions and other content delivery options to maximize your reader connections.

Getting in touch is simple. Just submit your information and a friendly 杏吧原创 associate will be in touch within 24 hours.

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PRC Approves July 2024 USPS Rate Increases (With Reservations) /blog/prc-approves-july-2024-postage-increases Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:51:21 +0000 /?p=8104 The Postal Regulatory Committee (PRC), which is an independent agency that oversees the USPS, approved the planned price increase for mailing services. However, the PRC also expressed some reservations: While the price hike follows all the relevant rules of the Postal Service鈥檚 Market Dominant price adjustment schedule, the PRC is concerned that the USPS may...

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The Postal Regulatory Committee (PRC), which is an independent agency that oversees the USPS, approved the planned price increase for mailing services. However, the PRC also expressed some reservations:

While the price hike follows all the relevant rules of the Postal Service鈥檚 Market Dominant price adjustment schedule, the PRC is concerned that the USPS may not have fully considered the broader impact on mailers and customers.

In particular, the PRC is worried that raising prices could be counterproductive given the ongoing decline in mail volume (especially for traditional mail like flyers and magazines) and recent issues with mail delivery performance. These concerns, along with the USPS’s overall financial situation, haven’t improved since the current system for setting mail prices was adopted.

Other sources agree with the PRC鈥檚 skepticism over these rate increases and their effectiveness. Citing a notable trend of year over year decreases in marketing mail revenue for the USPS, , wrote: 鈥淭he postal price increases in the near term have proven to be a failure. The USPS modeling predicted that revenue would increase and demand wouldn’t fall. However, the data tells a different story. In 2023, revenue of 鈥渕arketing mail鈥 decreased by $920 million and volume decreased by 7.7 billion pieces.鈥

The PRC is currently reviewing this system (Docket No. RM2024-4) to see if it’s still the best approach. In the meantime, the PRC is urging the USPS leadership to carefully consider these concerns and the feedback from stakeholders when deciding on future price adjustments. They suggest the USPS may not need to continue raising prices by the maximum allowed amount. You can read the PRC鈥檚 full decision

To summarize, the price of sending mail will increase in July, but there are questions about whether this is the best course of action for the long-term health of the USPS and its services. Accompanying these rate increases will be a handful of other changes to USPS rates, processes and programs. You can read more about the specific rate increases and updates in this blog.

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USPS Proposes Pricing Changes, Rate Hikes for July 2024 /blog/usps-july-2024-updates Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:51:56 +0000 /?p=7875 The United States Postal Service (USPS) is gearing up for some significant changes in July 2024, aiming to streamline operations and enhance services. These changes have only been proposed and are still subject to approval and/or change by the PRC. Here are some highlights from the proposed changes: Delivery Network Redesign: USPS will continue to...

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) is gearing up for in July 2024, aiming to streamline operations and enhance services. These changes have only been proposed and are still subject to approval and/or change by the PRC. Here are some highlights from the proposed changes:

Delivery Network Redesign: USPS will continue to redesign its delivery network, which may involve renaming facilities and assigning new responsibilities to them.

Mailing Promotions and Incentives: USPS plans to introduce five mailing promotions and two 鈥渁dd-on/upgrade鈥 promotions.聽 These include the Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Promotions, Integrated Technology Promotion, Reply Mail IMbA Promotion, Continuous Contact Promotion and First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion.聽 The add-on promotions deal with Informed Delivery and Sustainability.聽 Additionally, there will be growth incentives for both First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail.

Identification of Official Election Mail/Ballots: New requirements will be introduced to identify Official Election Mail/Ballots from Political Campaign Mail, aiming to ensure the secure and timely delivery of election-related materials.

Reevaluation of First-Class Mail Flat Pricing: USPS will reevaluate the pricing structure for First-Class Mail Flats, potentially impacting the cost of mailing larger, flat items.

USPS Proposed Pricing Changes for July 2024

The USPS has proposed a list of rate increases that covers many of its services, in addition to changes to the way pricing is calculated for certain mailings.

How Promotional Discounts are applied: Currently, the USPS removes promotional discounts from primary postage and then removes incentive discounts.聽 Moving forward, incentive discounts will be removed from primary postage and then promotional discounts will be taken.

Full-Service Discount for First Class and Marketing Mail pieces increased from $.003 to $.005 per piece. (Full-Service Automation barcoded pieces receive this discount) Seamless discounts from $.001 to $.002 per piece.

First Class Flats are currently priced by the ounce with a base price for each additional ounce.聽 Moving forward, the prices between ounces could vary.

Marketing Mail had components found to be over their costs, or not covering their costs.

  • Marketing Mail Flats will raise by 11.708%
  • Carrier Routes will raise by 9.918%
  • Nonprofit flats will raise by 16.2%
  • Nonprofit Carrier Route will raise by 20.1%
  • Nonprofit High Density and High Density Plus Carrier Route will increase by 17.3%

Marketing Mail Flat Rates Restructuring: Currently, marketing mail flat pieces over 4 ounces pay per piece and a per pound rate for the weight over 4 ounces.聽 This will be restructured so a per-pound rate is paid for the whole weight, including the first 4 ounces. Also under this plan, work share discounts will return for under 4 ounces reflected in the per piece cost, but over 4 ounces, the work share discounts will be shared in the per pound pricing.

Catalog Incentive: Mailers using Marketing Mail or Package Services Bound Printed Matter Flats and Parcels will be granted a $.001 per piece incentive for announcing their mail pieces are catalogs when presenting the mailings to the USPS via the postal statements. However, Marketing Mail Simple Samples will be eliminated.

To qualify as a catalog, a mail piece must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. 12 or more pages.
  2. Bound or fastened along one edge and shaped as a letter, flat or parcel.
  3. An organized, illustrated, descriptive listing of the products or services offered for sale.
  4. Prices or a method for determining prices.
  5. Information on Shipping or Fulfillment (shipping or pick-up methods)
  6. Enough information to allow an order to be placed.聽 This may be through an order form, mailing address, phone number, web address or means to access a web address such as a QR Code.
  7. Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) 鈥 Retail

Mailing Rate Increases By Mail Class

Class Percent Change
First-Class Mail 7.755
USPS Marketing Mail 7.755
Periodicals 9.754
Package Services 7.755
Special Services 7.755

First-Class Mail Price Changes

Product Percent Change
Single-Piece Letters/Postcards 7.674
Presort Letters/Postcards 7.629
Flats 9.684
Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International 6.334
Inbound Letter Post 0.567
Total First-Class Mail 7.755

First-Class Mail First-Ounce Rates – Letters

Current New Change Percent Change
Stamped Single-Piece $0.68 $0.73 $0.05 7.4
Metered Single-Piece $0.64 $0.69 $0.05 7.8
MAADC Automation $0.571 $0.622 $0.051 8.9
AADC Automation $0.547 $0.593 $0.046 8.4
5-Digit Automation $0.507 $0.545 $0.038 7.5

USPS Marketing Mail Product Price Changes

Product Percent Change
Letters 6.958
Flats 11.708
Parcels 7.790
High Density/Saturation Letters 7.327
High density/Saturation Flats and Parcels 7.903
Carrier Route 9.918
Every Door Direct Mail – Retail 9.852
Overall 7.755

Periodicals Price Changes

Product Percent Change
Outside County 9.758
Within County 9.701
Overall 9.754

Package Services Price Changes

Product Percent Change
Alaska Bypass Service 4.771
Bound Printed Matter Flats 5.696
Bound Printed Matter Parcels 5.806
Media Mail and Library Mail 9.867
Overall 7.755

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USPS Announces Mailing Promotions for 2024 /blog/usps-promotions-2024 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:04:08 +0000 /?p=7150 The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced its 2024 promotions. These six USPS promotions, which were also available in 2023, are designed to incentivize marketers to use innovative technologies and strategies to enhance the value and ROI of direct mail. Continue reading below for a summary and key information about each USPS promotion available...

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced its 2024 promotions. These six USPS promotions, which were also available in 2023, are designed to incentivize marketers to use innovative technologies and strategies to enhance the value and ROI of direct mail. Continue reading below for a summary and key information about each USPS promotion available in 2024.

A chart of the upcoming USPS promotions for 2024

Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement Promotion

Eligibility: Marketing Mail letters and flats; First-Class Mail letters, cards and flats; Nonprofit Mail

Incentive: 6% discount at the time of mailing

Registration begins: Dec. 15, 2023

Promotion period: Feb. 1, 2024 鈥 July 31, 2024

This promotion encourages mailers to incorporate innovative techniques into mailpieces to create a multi-sensory experience. Mailers can take advantage of this promotion with new developments in paper, paper stocks, substrates, finishing techniques and inks.

The goal of incorporating sensory elements 鈥 such as visual effects, interesting textures, scents and sounds 鈥 is to drive a higher ROI and increase the engagement and response rates of direct mail campaigns. Some examples of tactile, sensory and interactive mailpieces are pop-ups, infinite folds, clean-release cards, zip strips, specialty inks (like metallic or thermal ink), trailing edge envelopes and special finishes like foil embossing and textured paper.

Please note the USPS will eliminate Gloss Stock as an option for this promotion in 2025.

Gloss Stock will be ineligible for this promotion in 2025.

Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion

Eligibility: Qualifying First-Class Mail presort and automation letters with an additional discount for Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) or Business Reply Mail (BRM) inclusion

Incentive: 3% discount for color ink at the time of mailing or 4% with Reply Mail

Registration begins: Dec. 15, 2023

Promotion period: Feb. 1, 2024 鈥 July 31, 2024

This promotion encourages producers of bills and statements to use color printing and variable data printing to create personalized, transpromotional mailpieces. This promotion aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of using dynamic-variable, data-driven personalization and colors to help marketers enhance the value of mailpieces and increase response rates.

Emerging & Advanced Technology Promotion

Eligibility: Marketing Mail letters and flats; First-Class Mail letters, cards and flats

Incentive: 3% discount using emerging and advanced technologies or 4% discount using enhanced emerging technologies

Registration begins: Variable, begins December 2023

Promotion period: Six months, variable

This promotion incentivizes the use of technologies such as augmented reality (AR), near-field communication (NFC) and video in direct mail campaigns. This is aimed to amplify direct mail results to deliver immersive and interactive experiences to consumers. This year, this promotion includes utilizing QR codes to drive mobile-optimized shopping websites for eCommerce transactions.

The biggest change for 2024 is that the Emerging Technology promotion will be handled as a 鈥榊OU PICK 6.鈥 That means you can pick any six-month time frame in 2024 to participate in the promotion. For example, you could choose Jan. 15 to June 15, or April 1 through Sep. 1. Registration for this promotion will begin in December 2023.

Please note you cannot combine promotions. Mailers should look at all available USPS promotions to make sure their six-month time frame from Emerging Technology does not coincide with the Tactile Promotion, which has a higher discount of 5%, or the Informed Delivery Promotion, which has a 4% discount.

3% discount includes the following:

Types of mail eligible for 3% promotion

4% discount includes the following:

Types of mail eligible for 4% promotion

It is important to note the USPS will discontinue the Mobile Shopping option as part of the Emerging Technology Promotion in 2025.

Informed Delivery Promotion

Eligibility: Qualifying automation Marketing Mail letters and flats; qualifying automation First-Class Mail letters, cards and flats

Incentive: 4% discount at the time of mailing and 0.6% discount for eDoc Submitters

Registration begins: June 15, 2024

Promotion period: Aug. 1, 2024 鈥 Dec. 31, 2024

This promotion incentivizes mailers to leverage the USPS Informed Delivery service, which allows consumers to preview their incoming mail and receive alerts for specific mailpieces. Mailers that include interactive elements in their Informed Delivery notifications will be eligible for discounts.

Informed Delivery provides a digital extension of mailpieces, offering a second touchpoint for customers to engage with direct mail through interactive digital images.

Reply Mail IMbA Promotion

Eligibility: First-Class presort and automation letters

Incentive: 3% discount for static IMbA on the BRM and a 6% discount for serialized IMbA

Registration begins: May 15, 2024

Promotion period: July 1, 2024 鈥 Dec. 31, 2024

This promotion encourages marketers to adopt static or serialized barcodes on reply mailing. The goal is to reduce processing time and ensure QBRM mailers receive reply mail and invoices quickly.

Retargeted Mail Promotion

Eligibility: Qualifying automation First-Class postcards

Incentive: 6% discount at the time of mailing

Registration begins: July 15, 2024

Promotion period: Sept. 1, 2024 鈥 Nov. 30, 2024

This USPS promotion incentivizes marketers to send postcards to website or mobile app visitors who didn鈥檛 make trackable conversions. The goal of this promotion is to bridge the connection between online recipient behavior and direct mail. This creates multiple touchpoints from each mailpiece.

Take advantage of these USPS promotions to increase direct mail ROI

The USPS mail promotions for 2024 provide a great opportunity for marketers to experiment with innovative technologies and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of mailing. By following the guidelines and eligibility requirements, mailers can take advantage of the discounts to increase direct mail ROI and deliver impactful and engaging mailpieces to target audiences.

If you are interested in participating in these USPS promotions for your direct mail campaigns, visit the USPS鈥檚 Postal Pro website to view the and , or email them at mailingpromotions@usps.gov.

Or, if you鈥檙e interested in partnering with an expert printer that can help you save on mailing costs, get in touch with us today!

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PRC Approves Postage Rate Increases, To Take Effect Jan. 2024 /blog/usps-rate-increases-2024 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:16:19 +0000 /?p=7012 The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved the pricing increase requested by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Oct. 2023. This pricing increase will take effect on Jan. 21, 2024. This postal pricing increase will affect prices on all national and international commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels, including Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail...

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The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved the pricing increase requested by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Oct. 2023. This pricing increase will take effect on Jan. 21, 2024.

This postal pricing increase will affect prices on all national and international commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels, including Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select and USPS Retail Ground. The price for the First-Class Forever stamp will see a two-cent increase, from 66 to 68 cents.

Product Current Prices New Prices
Letters (1 ounce) 66 cents 68 cents
Letters (metered 1 ounce) 63 cents 64 cents
Domestic Postcards 51 cents 53 cents
International Postcards $1.50 $1.55
International Letter (1 ounce) $1.50 $1.55

This pricing increase, in combination with the more frequent increases we鈥檝e seen in recent history, falls in line with the Postal Service鈥檚 10-year plan,鈥. The purpose of this plan is to help USPS remain efficient and financially sound while working to compete with companies like UPS, FedEx and DHL. Despite several rate increases since the plan鈥檚 inception, USPS still boasts some of the lowest postage rates in the world.

This table shows the average increase by mail class.

Class Percent Change
First Class Mail 1.969
USPS Marketing Mail 1.961
Periodicals 1.959
Package Services 1.960
Special Services 2.168

This table shows Standard/Marketing for letters and flats.

Product Percent Change
Letters 1.333
Flats 3.966

This table shows the Periodical Pricing changes.

Product Percent Change
Outside County 1.594
Within County 7.320
Overall 1.959

 

杏吧原创 is your partner in navigating updates and changes to postage rates. When important postal news arises, we will be sure to share announcements here on our website, as well as on social media and through our monthly eNewsletter, ePressLines.

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U.S. Postal Service Proposes New Prices for 2024 /blog/usps-new-prices-2024 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:05:46 +0000 /?p=6520 The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced its next price increase, which is set to take effect on January 21, 2024. This change will affect First Class, Periodical, Standard/Marketing Mail, Package Services, Bound Printed Matter, Media/Library Mail and other miscellaneous USPS fees. As of October 2023, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has not yet approved...

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced its next price increase, which is set to take effect on January 21, 2024. This change will affect First Class, Periodical, Standard/Marketing Mail, Package Services, Bound Printed Matter, Media/Library Mail and other miscellaneous USPS fees. As of October 2023, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has not yet approved these increases.

This announcement marks the first increase of the 2024 calendar year, after that . USPS cites inflationary pressures as the driving force behind this price increase. Most mail types are set to increase in price by around 2%, though certain marketing and periodical materials will see a larger increase.

Continue reading below to see specific mail price increases planned for 2024, as well as official statements from USPS regarding the change.

  • New聽prices scheduled to take effect Jan. 21, 2024
  • Postal Service聽prices remain among the most affordable in the world
  • First-Class Forever stamp will be 68 cents

The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect Jan. 21, 2024. The new rates include a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 66 cents to 68 cents.

The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services聽product聽prices approximately 2 percent. If favorably reviewed by the commission, the聽price聽changes would include:

Product 颁耻谤谤别苍迟听笔谤颈肠别蝉 笔濒补苍苍别诲听笔谤颈肠别蝉
Letters (1 ounce) 66 cents 68 cents
Letters (metered 1 ounce) 63 cents 64 cents
Domestic Postcards 51 cents 53 cents
International Postcards $1.50 $1.55
International Letter (1 ounce) $1.50 $1.55

There will be no change to the additional-ounce聽price, which remains at 24 cents. The Postal Service is also seeking聽price聽adjustments for Special Services products including Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.

As inflationary pressures on operating expenses continue and the effects of a previously defective pricing model are still being felt, these聽price聽adjustments are needed to聽provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue聽to achieve the financial stability sought by its聽聽10-year plan. The聽prices of聽the Postal Service remain among the most affordable in the world.

The PRC will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The complete Postal Service聽price聽filing, with聽prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website under the Daily Listings section at聽.聽The mailing services filing is Docket No. R2024-1. The聽price聽tables are also available on the Postal Service鈥檚 Postal Explorer website at聽.

This table shows the average by mail class.聽

Class Percent Change
First Class Mail 1.969
USPS Marketing Mail 1.961
Periodicals 1.959
Package Services 1.960
Special Services 2.168

 

This table shows Standard/Marketing for letters and flats.

笔谤辞诲耻肠迟听 Percent Change
Letters 1.333
Flats 3.966

 

This table shows the Periodical Pricing changes.

笔谤辞诲耻肠迟听 Percent Change
Outside County 1.594
Within County 7.320
Overall 1.959

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