Key points:
- USPS will implement rate increases on Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, Media Mail, and Signature Confirmation services in July 2024
- Easyship will continue to offer the best available discounted rates (up to 89% off retail rates) to help online retailers mitigate the impact of these USPS updates
- eCommerce retailers can optimize their shipping strategies by comparing rates, diversifying their shipping with a multi-carrier assortment, and implementing automated shipping rules through Easyship’s intelligent platform
USPS will implement two rate increases in July 2024, impacting several popular domestic shipping solutions in the United States. This will impact merchants regardless of where USPS postage labels are purchased. Easyship continues to offer the most competitive pre-negotiated USPS rates available.
Effective Dates:
- July 1, 2024: Increases for all Priority Mail and Ground Advantage services.
- July 14, 2024: Increases for Media Mail and Signature Confirmation services.
Detailed Overview of USPS Rate Increases
Priority Mail:
- Weight-Based: 1-10 pounds packages will increase between $0.02 and $3.10 (depending on Zone)
- Cubic Rates: Increases up to 10% ranging from $0.02 to $2.97.
- Flat Rate: Price increasing from $0.19 to $1.18.
- Easyship pre-negotiated rates: Save up to 30% compared to retail prices on USPS Priority Mail.
Ground Advantage:
- Weight-Based: Up to $2.11 increase (approximately 21%) for 1-6 pound packages.
- 13-15.9 Ounces: Minor increase up to 5% (33 cents) in zones 6-8.
- 1 Pound: Increase of up to 25% (up $2.11).
- Cubic Rates: 6% increase (up to $1.67), mainly affecting Zone 4 and above.
- Easyship pre-negotiated rates: Save up to 26% compared to retail prices on USPS Ground Advantage.
Media Mail:
- Increases between $0.50 and $0.56 (approximately 5-10% depending on weight)
Signature Confirmation:
- Increase of up to $0.20 from $3.50 to $3.70 (approximately 5%).
USPS Ground Advantage Rates
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5oz | Retail $5.70 Save over $1.30 |
Retail $5.80 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $5.85 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $5.90 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $5.95 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $6.00 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $6.05 Save over $1.40 |
Retail $6.15 Save over $1.30 |
| 15.99oz | Retail $8.00 Save over $2.40 |
Retail $8.20 Save over $2.40 |
Retail $8.30 Save over $2.40 |
Retail $8.45 Save over $2.30 |
Retail $8.60 Save over $2.30 |
Retail $8.70 Save over $2.30 |
Retail $8.85 Save over $2.30 |
Retail $9.00 Save over $2.10 |
| 2 lbs | Retail $8.95 Save over $2.90 |
Retail $9.5 Save over $2.90 |
Retail $10.10 Save over $3.30 |
Retail $10.80 Save over $3.70 |
Retail $11.60 Save over $3.30 |
Retail $12.45 Save over $2.90 |
Retail $13.6 Save over $3.40 |
Retail $15.70 Save over $3.90 |
| 3lbs | Retail $9.35 Save over $3.00 |
Retail $10 Save over $3.00 |
Retail $10.5 Save over $3.50 |
Retail $11.4 Save over $3.50 |
Retail $12.45 Save over $30 |
Retail $13.6 Save over $2.60 |
Retail $15.7 Save over $3.20 |
Retail $18.60 Save over $4.30 |
| Cubic feet 0.1 | Retail $19.20 Save over $13.30 |
Retail $19.40 Save over $13.50 |
Retail $20.70 Save over $13.40 |
Retail $23.10 Save over $14.60 |
Retail $29.70 Save over $16.40 |
Retail $37.20 Save over $22.30 |
Retail $46.85 Save over $29.60 |
Retail $58.55 Save over $38.80 |
| Cubic feet 0.5 | Retail $19.20 Save over $12.50 |
Retail $19.40 Save over $12.60 |
Retail $20.70 Save over $12.50 |
Retail $23.10 Save over $13.00 |
Retail $29.70 Save over $13.80 |
Retail $37.20 Save over $18.70 |
Retail $46.85 Save over $25.40 |
Retail $58.55 Save over $33.60 |
| Cubic feet 1 | Retail $19.20 Save over $9.50 |
Retail $19.40 Save over $9.80 |
Retail $20.70 Save over $9.00 |
Retail $23.10 Save over $9.30 |
Retail $29.70 Save over $10.60 |
Retail $37.20 Save over $14.60 |
Retail $46.85 Save over $20.70 |
Retail $58.55 Save over $27.80 |
USPS Priority Mail Rates
| Weight (lbm) | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Retail $9.25 Save over $2.60 |
Retail $9.50 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $9.60 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $9.80 Save over $2.90 |
Retail $10.75 Save over $2.40 |
Retail $11.60 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $12.45 Save over $3.00 |
Retail $13.45 Save over $3.30 |
| 1 | Retail $9.25 Save over $2.60 |
Retail $9.50 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $9.60 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $9.80 Save over $2.90 |
Retail $10.75 Save over $2.40 |
Retail $11.60 Save over $2.80 |
Retail $12.45 Save over $3.00 |
Retail $13.45 Save over $3.30 |
| 5 | Retail $12.45 Save over $4.00 |
Retail $13.00 Save over $4.20 |
Retail $13.95 Save over $4.40 |
Retail $15.20 Save over $5.00 |
Retail $18.10 Save over $4.70 |
Retail $22.95 Save over $5.70 |
Retail $27.75 Save over $6.60 |
Retail $31.15 Save over $7.10 |
| 10 | Retail $15.50 Save over $5.20 |
Retail $15.85 Save over $5.20 |
Retail $16.70 Save over $5.00 |
Retail $18.85 Save over $6.10 |
Retail $23.95 Save over $6.00 |
Retail $34.75 Save over $10.10 |
Retail $45.50 Save over $14.10 |
Retail $51.95 Save over $16.20 |
| Cubic Feet 0.2 | Retail $22.20 Save over $15.30 |
Retail $22.45 Save over $15.30 |
Retail $23.95 Save over $16.60 |
Retail $26.75 Save over $19.10 |
Retail $41.65 Save over $32.30 |
Retail $60.90 Save over $50.30 |
Retail $80.10 Save over $68.10 |
Retail $92.55 Save over $79.30 |
| Cubic Feet 0.5 | Retail $22.20 Save over $13.50 |
Retail $22.45 Save over $13.40 |
Retail $23.95 Save over $14.10 |
Retail $26.75 Save over $16.20 |
Retail $41.65 Save over $27.70 |
Retail $60.90 Save over $42.60 |
Retail $80.10 Save over $57.40 |
Retail $92.55 Save over $66.80 |
Important: Always check availability and pricing via the Easyship App (app.easyship.com/quote) for the most up-to-date information for your location. All rates, discounts, and services are subject to change without notice.
Reasons Behind USPS Price Increases
USPS has cited its focus on innovation under the 10-year Delivering for America plan and broader market changes in the mailing and shipping industry as the primary reasons for these updates.
What Does This Mean for US eCommerce and Retailers?
July's USPS price update will result in an increase of approximately 0.29% to 28% across the postal giant's delivery services depending on the package and service type. These pricing adjustments can directly impact the shipping costs of eCommerce retailers and small businesses, which, if not addressed, can impact their bottom line.
Despite these changes, USPS rates remain some of the most affordable globally, providing an opportunity for all businesses to consider a range of optimizations:
1. Leverage Easyship Solutions:
Easyship offers substantial discounts on USPS rates—up to 89% off—as well as the ability to access over 250 top carrier services like FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express. The platform's intelligent courier selection tool ensures you always choose the best rate, automate savings, and set-up shipping rules.
2. Evaluate Budget & Operations:
Review your 2024 budget to account for higher postage costs. Consider adjusting your pricing strategies, customer acquisition costs, and operational efficiencies such as packaging reduction and 3PL warehousing and fulfillment options.
3. Adjust Pricing Strategy:
To cover increased shipping costs, consider strategic price adjustments while monitoring competitor prices to minimize risks to sales volume.
4. Increase Transparency at Checkout:
Display delivery options clearly at checkout to reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions. Providing a range of top carriers can help maintain customer trust and manage expectations.
5. Implement Multi-Carrier Shipping Strategies:
Diversify your shipping options to avoid reliance on a single courier. Use Easyship’s platform to compare rates and services, ensuring you select the most cost-effective shipping solution for each package.
FAQs
When are USPS rates going up?
USPS rates will increase in two stages:
- July 1, 2024: Increases will affect all Priority Mail and Ground Advantage services.
- July 14, 2024: Increases will apply to Media Mail and Signature Confirmation services.
These changes are part of USPS's regular updates to maintain and improve their services while adapting to market conditions.
What are the best USPS alternatives?
While USPS rates remain competitive, exploring alternatives can help optimize shipping costs and services. Some top alternatives include:
- FedEx: Known for its fast and reliable delivery options, especially for international shipping.
- UPS: Offers a wide range of services with extensive tracking capabilities and reliable delivery times.
- DHL Express: Excellent for international shipping with fast transit times and robust global reach.
Using Eashsip’s Shipping Rate Calculator tool allows you to compare these carriers' rates and services, ensuring you choose the best option for each shipment automatically.
What is changing with USPS' New Mailing Technology?
USPS is focusing on innovation as part of its Delivering for America plan, which alongside focusing on financial sustainability includes:
- Enhanced Tracking: Improved package tracking capabilities to provide more accurate and timely updates.
- Automation: Increased automation in sorting and delivery processes to boost efficiency and reduce errors.
- Sustainability: Implementation of eco-friendly practices and technologies to reduce environmental impact.
These changes aim to enhance service quality and reliability, benefiting both retailers and consumers.
How can I minimize the impact of USPS rate increases on my business?
Easyship provides a range of features to help online retailers save on shipping costs:
- Discounted Rates: Access to up to 89% off retail shipping rates with USPS and other carriers.
- Courier Comparison: Compare rates and services from over 250 top carriers to find the best option for each shipment.
- Automated Shipping Rules: Set up rules to automate carrier selection based on package size, weight, destination, and delivery speed.
- Intelligent Dashboard: Manage all your shipping needs from a single, user-friendly interface, saving time and reducing errors.
