Operations Status:      Atlanta, GA        Phoenix, AZ       Richmond, VA
= 100% Operational         = Operating and releasing mail at reduced production levels     = No current production

800-943-5240

Understanding the 2024 Price Increases from USPS

27 Dec Understanding the 2024 Price Increases from USPS

Posted at 16:44h in DX Blog by

It’s the time of year when the USPS announces its annual updates, which, as shown over the past several years, typically involve an increase in prices. The latest round of changes, which were introduced in November by the Postal Service, will take effect on January 21, 2024.

USPS postage fees make up a significant expense for companies that send transactional mail. In this blog post, join us as we review the new pricing and other updates, as well as the most effective practices for reducing postage costs.

The announcement from the USPS includes the following updates about fees in 2024:

Postage Fees

  • The First-Class Mail Forever Stamp and 1-ounce letters will increase from 66 to 68 cents.
  • Metered 1-ounce letters will rise from 63 to 64 cents.
  • Domestic postcards will increase from 51 cents to 53 cents.
  • International letters (1 oz.) will be $1.55, up from $1.50.
  • Mixed AADC (1oz – 3.5oz) will change to $.571 from $.561.

 

Mailing Services

  • Certified mail: $4.40
  • Restricted certified mail delivery and adult signature required: $11.65
  • Return receipt (electronic): $2.32

 

You can view all the price changes on the USPS website.

Why Is USPS Raising Rates?

The USPS stated the following in its official statement regarding raising rates: “As inflationary pressures on operating expenses continue and the effects of a previously defective pricing model are still being felt, these price adjustments are needed to provide the Postal Service with much-needed revenue to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan.”

So, how can a company reduce its postage bills?

  • Standardize mail pieces. We recommend standardizing envelopes to our generic #10 double window envelope. If you send a return envelope, it may be beneficial to send it only to those customers who you know will actually use it. If you know that a customer has signed up for bill-pay service, then you can omit that customer’s #9 to ensure you’re getting the most out of postage discounts.
  • Manage e-delivery more efficiently. DATAMATX can help you enable e-notices, which alert your customer that their bill is available for viewing on your website.
  • Implement Bounce2Print. At DATAMATX, we have an automated process called Bounce2Print that redirects any bounced e-notifications to distribution as a printed document. This way, you can be sure customers will receive their bills, notices, or invoices even when electronic delivery is unsuccessful.
  • Make use of address hygiene tools. Inaccurate and incomplete addresses result in operational waste. Proprietary technology and USPS Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) facilitate tracking of mail, in addition to allowing print and mail providers to locate and capture addresses with inaccuracies or missing information. When such an address is identified, the system sends an Undeliverable as Addressed (UAA) file, automatically updating the database in real time.

 

At DATAMATX, we prioritize our ability to offer customers the best postage rates possible. Please contact your DATAMATX account manager to discuss options for electronic delivery, standard supplies and other tools and strategies to help reduce rates.