Welcome to our United States Postal Service Updates blog, the hub for staying in the know about the ever-changing postal realm. Here, we’re your source for the latest news and rate revisions direct from the USPS.
January 2024 Changes
Effective January 21st, the USPS is rolling out changes to its shipping rates, which will impact various services and package categories. Endicia remains committed to delivering top-notch service to its customers and is happy to announce that, through our partnership with USPS, customers can now enjoy enhanced discounts on Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage Rates™ compared to Commercial Plus rates.
Here’s an overview of the modifications and how they might impact your shipping and mailing strategies.
Ground Advantage™
- Ground Advantage™ under 1 pound: Up to 6.6% off
- Ground Advantage™ over 1 pound: Up to 25.1% off
- Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Up to 21.2% off
As a reminder, Ground Advantage™ was introduced in July of 2024. This service combines USPS Retail Ground, USPS Parcel Select Ground, and USPS First Class Package Services. The January 21st changes will apply to all weights, zones, and cubic dimensions over 12 ounces using Ground Advantage™.
Priority Mail®
- Priority Mail 6-10 pounds: Up to 12% off
- Priority Mail Flat Rate: Up to 2.5% off
- Priority Mail Cubic: Up to 15.8% off
So where will you see the biggest changes? The short answer: it depends. Exact rates will vary depending on the package details and how far it’s traveling. As always, we recommend comparing rates and services to find the best option for your business.
Mailing Services
The postage rate for a First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) will be adjusted from 66 cents to 68 cents. Nevertheless, when utilizing Endicia to print postage, the Metered Mail rate for a First Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) will experience a slight increase from 63 cents to 64 cents, providing a $0.04 savings compared to the retail rate.
USPS Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Label Changes
While the primary focus of this rate adjustment is on shipping rates, it’s crucial to be aware of unrelated changes to HAZMAT labels. Starting January 21st, USPS is enhancing safety measures for handling dangerous goods shipments. The HAZMAT labels will now feature an oversized letter “H” in the corner, the addition of 2D barcodes, and the inclusion of the word “HAZMAT” after “USPS TRACKING #.” Shippers need not take any specific action other than selecting hazardous goods under special services when printing a label when a shipment contains hazardous materials. For more information check out our HAZMAT updates blogs.
Insurance Rate Updates
In addition to the rate adjustments, Endicia users should be aware of an increase in their insurance rates. However, depending on your service plan, you could enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 40% compared to USPS insurance rates.
Enhancing Your Efficiency
Despite these changes, Endicia continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89% through its partnership with USPS and other carriers. We aim to streamline your shipping and mailing operations, providing discounted rates for a smooth sending process.
As the shipping landscape evolves, staying informed about rate changes and adjusting your strategy accordingly can contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective shipping experience. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments. For more information please check out our help center article.