Rate Change Realities

How Will the Latest Rate Change Impact Your Business?

First-Class® Mail Parcels (Retail) Getting the Boot

If your business relies on First-Class® Mail Parcels (Retail), you will need to adjust your process… For postage meter users, it’s important to make sure your system is updated with the latest rates, first and foremost. There is often a cost to purchase rate updates, or you may be covered under an annual Rate Change Protection (RCP) plan that you purchased in advance at a discount, but in the case of the September 3 update, it will be free of charge. Need help getting the updated rates on your machine? Visit our Knowledge Hub or take a look at our FAQs for details.

Change of Habit

If you’re used to frequently sending First-Class® Mail Parcels (Retail), you’ll need to get in the habit of using the new First Class Package Service Retail under First-Class Package Service™ instead to avoid returned shipments or “postage due” for recipients. Try printing the latest rate guide and putting it by your machine as a reminder.

The New Lightweight Champion

This new class replaces the former champion as the new, cheapest way to send retail packages under 13oz., though prices did increase overall. It costs 12% more for parcels up to 4 oz. from $2.67 with First-Class Mail Parcels (Retail) to $3.00 with the new class.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing up to 13oz., which will go into effect on September 3, 2017.

Keep up with all the latest rate change news on our blog.