2024 USPS Shipping Rate Changes: What You Should Know

USPS frequently updates its services and rates, with changes typically occurring at various times throughout the year. In this article, we'll cover the different types of rates offered by USPS, explore the discounts available when shipping through ShipSaving, and provide an overview of USPS shipping rates along with detailed information.

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September 2024

Starting September 16, 2024, USPS will update its new shipping rates for over 17,000+ zip codes due to their market demands. 

This change introduces a separate rate structure for these zip codes, removes the discounted Merchant Rate Card (MRC) rate and transitions back to commercial pricing (CPP).

Despite this change, ShipSaving users can still enjoy the lowest USPS shipping rates available in the industry! We are committed to providing the best shipping price to help you manage your shipping needs effectively.

For details on which areas are affected, please check here.

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July 2024

Before delving into the upcoming USPS rate updates, let's briefly outline which services will see adjustments and which will remain unchanged:

• USPS Zones will remain unchanged, with a total of 9 zones.
• USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail® of Merchants Rates will increase, effective July 1st, 2024.
• As of July 14th, 2024, prices for USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail®, and Priority Mail Express® services will remain unchanged.
• Prices for First-Class Mail, flat mail, postcards, and other special packages will change on July 14th, 2024.

The upcoming rate increases are relatively minor, so senders need not worry about significantly higher shipping costs.

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Details of July 14th

Starting July 14th, senders will notice increases in prices for services like First-Class Mail and postcards:

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Details of July 1st

Rate changes will affect senders using Merchant Rate pricing for Priority Mail®, Ground Advantage, Cubic pricing, and flat rate services effective July 1st.

Merchant Rate pricing offers the best discounted shipping rates available to businesses. Compared to retail and commercial prices, it provides optimal savings on USPS services and is the standard configuration for all ShipSaving users.

USPS Ground Advantage Services

• Ground Advantage services: Prices for packages weighing less than 1 pound in Zones 6-8 will increase.
• Ground Advantage services: Prices for packages weighing over 1 pound in Zones 1-5 will increase.
• Ground Advantage Cubic services: Prices between Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Zones 6-8 will increase.

USPS Priority Mail® Services

• Priority Mail services: Prices for most 2 to 10-pound packages in Zones 1-8 will increase.
• Priority Mail Cubic services: Most rates will see an increase.
• Priority Mail Flat Rate services: All shipping prices will increase.

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January 2024

The USPS announced an increase in prices for several shipping services on January 21, 2024. These changes include USPS Ground Advantage prices increasing by 5.4%, Priority Mail service prices increasing by 5.7%, and Priority Mail Express service prices increasing by 5.9%.

However, as an official partner of USPS, we're thrilled to offer you the USPS Merchant Rate, ensuring you always get the best shipping deals.

Hers is exciting news for ShipSaving users: starting January 21st, USPS is lowering its Merchant Rate prices. This means the already competitive rates you enjoy through ShipSaving will become even more affordable. Whether you use Ground Advantage or Priority Mail services, you're set to see substantial savings.

USPS Rate Changes - Details of January 21st

• Priority Mail - You can now enjoy a reduction of up to 11.88% in rates, potentially saving you as much as $4.54 per shipment. 
• Priority Mail Flat Rate  - All services under Priority Mail Flat Rate are getting cheaper than your current rate.
• Ground Advantage  - For packages weighing under 1 lb, there's a slight average increase of 5.4%. For heavier packages (1 lb - 20 lb), where we’re seeing an overall decrease for shipments to the farthest distances, price reduced by up to $2.1 per package.

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Below is a table detailing the percentage discounts ShipSaving users can enjoy compared to previous shipping rates.

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With ShipSaving, you can experience up to a 25.09% lower rate than our previous USPS shipping discounts. We're committed to making your shipping experience efficient and cost-effective!

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How ShipSaving Can Help

Navigating shipping rate changes can be complex, and ShipSaving is designed to simplify this process. 

Our platform offers real-time rate comparisons, ensuring you always choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options. Here’s how we can assist:

• Discounted Rates: Access lower rates to offset industry-wide increases.
• Cost-Efficient Choices: Identify the most affordable shipping options in real time.
• Efficiency Optimization: Streamline your shipping processes to reduce costs in the face of rate increases.

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While USPS rate hikes will inevitably affect your shipping costs, ShipSaving is committed to providing optimized shipping solutions. We'll continue monitoring rate changes and offer comprehensive analysis and practical advice to help you maintain a competitive edge. 

Whether choosing the right services or optimizing package handling, we're here to ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently.

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ShipSaving offers shipping discounts of up to 89% off USPS retail rates! Register a ShipSaving account today and start saving on your shipping costs!