Does USPS First Class Mail Include Tracking? Your Essential Guide (Updated 2026)

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Most First-Class Mail does not automatically include tracking. The United States Postal Service handles over 129 billion pieces of mail annually, but standard letters, postcards, and flats sent through First-Class Mail cannot be tracked without purchasing additional services.

First-Class Package Service breaks this pattern. These packages automatically include free tracking when you ship them… and this is a distinction that confuses many customers. The difference comes down to what you’re sending: documents and plain letters get no tracking, packages get tracking included.

The difference exists for practical reasons. USPS processing machines cannot capture barcode information from standard letters and postcards. The sheer volume makes individual tracking impractical without significantly raising costs. However, First-Class Mail does provide other built-in benefits like mail forwarding and automatic return-to-sender for undeliverable items.

Letters do, however, offer a paid add-on service for tracking. We’ll explain which First-Class Mail services offer tracking, what options you have, and how to add tracking when you need it. This knowledge will help you pick the right service for your documents or small packages.

Does USPS First-Class Mail Include Tracking?

No – standard First-Class Mail doesn’t include tracking by default. This rule applies to postcards, letters, and flats sent through this service.

The USPS machines that process these items can’t capture barcode information. The USPS processed more than 50 million First-Class Mail items annually. Adding tracking to each piece would drive up costs substantially.

First-Class Package Service operates differently. Both retail and commercial packages include free tracking without additional purchases. Your receipt will show a tracking number at the bottom when you ship a First-Class package.

Several add-on services can provide tracking for letters and flats:

  • Certified Mail
  • Registered Mail
  • Return Receipt
  • Signature Confirmation

These services attach barcodes that enable scanning throughout the postal system. They provide proof of mailing and electronic confirmation when your item reaches its destination. The cost varies by service, but each offers a way to monitor delivery status for items that normally cannot be tracked.

OK, But Why Does My Mail Have All These Barcodes Printed On It?

Those barcodes and scan lines are usually automation marks that help USPS sort and route mail faster—not full tracking for your letter.

The big one is the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) (or an older POSTNET-style code) that encodes the destination ZIP+4 and delivery point so high-speed sorting equipment can spray, read, and re-sort pieces with fewer human touches. USPS and high-volume mailers may also print extra ID tags (like Mailer IDs, sequence codes, or service codes) that help with address correction, automation discounts, and internal processing. So even though you’re seeing scans and barcodes, standard First-Class letters still typically don’t generate the step-by-step “Where is it now?” tracking you get with packages—those marks are mainly for sorting efficiency and (sometimes) limited processing visibility like Informed Delivery, not end-to-end tracking.

What is USPS First-Class Mail and What Does It Include?

First-Class Mail serves as the standard mailing option for most Americans. Starting at 78 cents for letters, this service handles everyday correspondence, bills, and lightweight packages across the country.

The service accommodates diverse mail types with specific weight limits. Letters can weigh up to 3.5 ounces, while large envelopes (flats) handle up to 13 ounces, and parcels accept items not exceeding 13 ounces. Mail that exceeds these weight restrictions automatically moves to Priority Mail classification.

Delivery typically takes 1-5 business days, though the USPS provides no delivery guarantee for this service level. Built-in features include mail forwarding and return services at no additional cost, making First-Class Mail particularly convenient for routine mailings.

The service’s popularity stems largely from its simplicity. You can attach a stamp and drop items in any collection box without permits or special sorting requirements. For enhanced security needs, services like Registered Mail and Certified Mail can be added for additional fees.

The key distinction remains between standard mail items (letters, postcards, flats) and packages within the First-Class category—only the package service includes automatic tracking.

How to Add Tracking to First-Class Mail

You have several options to add tracking to your First-Class Mail items. Standard letters and postcards don’t include tracking by default, so you’ll need to buy extra services.

Certified Mail has become the most popular tracking choice at $4.40 per item. This service gives you a mailing receipt and lets you verify delivery or attempted delivery electronically. On top of that, it keeps your recipient’s signature on record for two years and works with Return Receipt service to prove delivery.

Registered Mail serves as another tracking option, especially when you have high-security needs. This premium service covers insurance up to $50,000 and costs $15.25. Signature Confirmation might be a better fit for basic needs, costing $3.50 online or $3.65 at Post Office locations.

Budget-conscious customers can use third-party services like LetterTrack that track First Class mail for just $0.18 per envelope. These services add an Intelligent Mail Barcode above the address block that makes tracking possible throughout the postal system.

While not exactly a “tracking” service, recipients can get free Informed Delivery service notifications about their incoming mail, which allows you to see photos of your incoming mail. You can add these tracking services at your local Post Office or online, with online purchases usually offering better prices.


New USPS Flat Rate Prices for 2026 – Postage Changes for Flat Rate Loyalists

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USPS flat rate shipping breaks from its usual price hike pattern in 2026. For the first time in years, some flat rate envelope prices will actually drop by up to $0.20, even as Priority Mail services overall increase by approximately 6.6%. The changes take effect January 18, 2026, creating a mix of price adjustments that makes some popular shipping options more affordable.

The Postal Service approved specific decreases alongside broader increases. Flat Rate Envelopes will drop by $0.20, while Padded and Legal Flat Rate Envelopes will decrease by $0.10 each. Most weight-based Priority Mail rates will increase by up to 13%. Priority Mail Express prices will rise by an average of 5.1%, and Ground Advantage services will see a 7.8% increase. First-Class Mail stamp prices remain unchanged for this price update. The Postal Service frames these targeted changes as part of its ongoing plan to restore long-term financial sustainability.

For anyone who hasn’t revisited the basics in a while: flat rate means you pay one price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or distance. A Small Flat Rate Box shipped from Miami to Anchorage costs the same as one sent across town. That simplicity is the whole selling point. No scale, no zone chart, no surprises. You grab the free packaging from USPS, stuff it full, and the price is the price. USPS Flat Rate pricing is tied to the packaging type (Envelope vs. Box, Small vs. Medium vs. Large). That means the fastest way to overspend is picking a bigger Flat Rate container than you need, or using Flat Rate when a lightweight shipment would be cheaper by weight (especially nearby).

USPS announces 2026 flat rate price changes

The Postal Service officially filed for new shipping rates starting January 18, 2026. The USPS Board of Governors approved these adjustments to maintain competitiveness.

Flat rate customers face mostly increases across popular shipping options. The Flat Rate Envelope jumps to $11.95 from $11.00, while the Small Flat Rate Box rises to $12.65 from $11.70. The Medium Flat Rate Box increases to $22.95 from $21.05. Large Flat Rate Boxes will cost $31.50, up from $29.95. Military APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Boxes see a smaller increase to $30.15.

Commercial customers continue receiving discounted rates compared to retail prices. A Flat Rate Envelope costs $10.30 for businesses versus the $11.95 retail rate.

These adjustments align with broader shipping rate increases across USPS services. Priority Mail averages a 6.6% increase, Priority Mail Express rises 5.1%, and USPS Ground Advantage climbs 7.8%. Parcel Select prices rise approximately 6.0%.

First-Class Mail stamps remain unaffected with no price increase.

USPS adjusts flat rate box and envelope prices

Flat rate shipping packages face varied price adjustments starting January 18, 2026. These changes affect how frequent flat rate users plan their shipping costs across different package types.

Priority Flat Rate Envelopes Increase by $1

Before the new pricing, a quick refresher on what fits where: the standard Flat Rate Envelope measures 12½” x 9½” and works for thin items like documents, contracts, photos, and soft goods like t-shirts. The Legal Flat Rate Envelope runs 15″ x 9½”, giving you extra room for legal-size documents and oversized paperwork. The Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12½” x 9½”) adds built-in cushioning for small electronics, jewelry, or anything that needs a little protection in transit. The Window Flat Rate Envelope continues serving pre-addressed mailings. All four must close and seal completely… no bulging, no tape-assisted miracles. If it doesn’t close cleanly, you need a box.

Across the board, Flat Rate Envelope pricing increased by about $1 for all products. Flat Rate Envelopes now cost $11.95 at post offices, up from $11.00. Legal Flat Rate Envelopes increase to $12.25, and Padded Flat Rate Envelopes jump to $12.95. Commercial customers pay substantially less, with standard envelopes at $10.30, legal envelopes at $10.80, and padded options at $11.10.

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes — 2025 vs. 2026 Retail Prices

Packaging Type2025 Price2026 PriceChange
Flat Rate Envelope$11.00$11.95+$0.95
Legal Flat Rate Envelope$11.20$12.25+$1.05
Padded Flat Rate Envelope$11.95$12.95+$1.00

Priority Flat Rate Boxes Increase by $1-2

Small Flat Rate Boxes now cost $12.65 at retail locations, up from $11.70. Medium Flat Rate Boxes see a larger jump to $22.95 (previously $21.05), regardless of whether customers choose the top-loading or side-loading version.

Large Flat Rate Boxes reach $31.50 (up from $29.95), though military APO/FPO/DPO shipments receive a discounted rate of $30.15. Business customers benefit from significant savings across all box sizes, with commercial prices set at $11.20 for small, $19.60 for medium, and $28.70 for large boxes.

Packaging Type2025 Price2026 PriceChange
Small Flat Rate Box$11.70$12.65+$0.95
Medium Flat Rate Box$21.05$22.95+$1.90
Large Flat Rate Box$29.95$31.50+$1.55
APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box$28.70$30.15+$1.45

Here’s the size breakdown worth bookmarking: the Small Flat Rate Box (8⅝” x 5⅜” x 1⅝”) is ideal for small, dense items like phone accessories, cosmetics, or small tools/hardware. The Medium Flat Rate Box comes in two versions: a top-loading option (11¼” x 8¾” x 6″) and a side-loading version (14″ x 12″ x 3½”) that’s perfect for books, framed prints, subscription kits or flat merchandise. The Large Flat Rate Box (12¼” x 12¼” x 6″) are the “ship a lot, ship it once” workhorse when you’re packing multiple items securely.

All flat rate products maintain their key advantage, shipping packages up to 70 lbs anywhere in the US for one predictable price.

Priority Mail Express Decreases Overnight Pricing

Priority Mail Express flat rate services will see price decreases in 2026, a rare occurrence in postal pricing, but only if you have access to commercial rates. This marks a notable exception to the overall trend of postal rate hikes as the USPS fights off FedEx and UPS.

Priority Mail Express for ordinary people as a whole will see an average increase of 5.1% despite these commercial decreases. The 2026 retail price for a standard flat rate envelope will be $33.25, while commercial customers will pay just $28.80. The legal flat rate envelope will cost $33.50 retail but only $29.10 for commercial shippers. Given the significant savings, it’s worth noting: Any business using a USPS-compatible shipping platform (Stamps.com, ShipStation, or similar services) automatically qualifies for commercial rates. You don’t need a special contract or minimum volume. 

Packaging Type2025 Retail Price2026 Retail Price2026 Commercial PriceChange
Express Flat Rate Envelope$31.40$33.25$28.80+$1.85
Express Legal Flat Rate Envelope$31.65$33.50$29.10+$1.85
Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope$32.25$34.15$29.35+$1.90

These adjustments reflect USPS’s strategic pricing approach. Priority Mail Express remains the premier overnight service for businesses, delivering in 1-3 days with a money-back guarantee. For time-sensitive documents and packages weighing up to 70 pounds, these services offer predictable flat rate pricing regardless of destination within the US.

Looking ahead: Mixed price adjustments reflect USPS strategy

The 2026 flat rate changes mark a departure from the usual pattern of across-the-board increases. Flat rate envelope decreases provide genuine savings for frequent shippers, while box prices continue climbing. This mixed approach reflects the Postal Service’s effort to balance competitive positioning with financial necessity.

Commercial shippers benefit significantly from the pricing structure, paying substantially less than retail customers across all flat rate products. The core advantage of flat rate shipping remains intact—predictable pricing for packages up to 70 pounds regardless of destination.

Ultimately, the Postal Service is trying to balance market competition with operational sustainability. The selective price decreases on envelopes suggest strategic positioning, while box increases reflect continued cost pressures. Flat rate loyalists face a more complex pricing landscape but retain the predictable shipping costs that make these services attractive for businesses and individuals nationwide.

All of these pricing increases go into effect January 18, 2026.

USPS Stamp Price Increase Remains in 2026 – No Increase

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You can finally stop worrying about a stamp price increase in January 2026. The United States Postal Service recently confirmed that First-Class Mail prices will stay the same at the start of the year. While shipping services will see hikes, the USPS chose to keep the cost of First-Class stamps at the current 78-cent rate through early 2026.

This decision breaks from recent USPS pricing patterns. The USPS governors accepted a recommendation from Postmaster General David Steiner to skip a price hike for “Market Dominant” products. However, other shipping services still face significant changes. Priority Mail will increase by about 6.6%, Priority Mail Express will rise 5.1%, USPS Ground Advantage will jump 7.8%, and Parcel Select will go up 6.0%. The USPS also indicated it plans to raise prices again in mid-2026, though it hasn’t announced specific details for those increases yet. For now, consumers can count on stable stamp prices through the first part of the year.

USPS Confirms No Stamp Hike for January 2026

In September 2025, the Postal Service officially announced that First-Class Mail prices would remain unchanged through early 2026. Postmaster General David Steiner specifically recommended against raising prices for these products, and the USPS Board of Governors approved his request.

The price for a standard one-ounce First-Class Mail letter will therefore remain at 78 cents, the rate established when stamps last increased in July 2025 (from 73 cents). This marks a departure from USPS’s recent pattern, as January price adjustments have become commonplace over the past decade. Steiner explained:

We continually strive to balance our pricing approach both to meet the revenue needs of the Postal Service and to deliver affordable offerings that reflect market conditions.

This stability aligns with the Delivering for America 10-year plan, which focuses on cost-effective operations and financial health. The USPS also pointed out that American postage remains a bargain compared to the rest of the world; only a few countries offer lower domestic letter rates. Even while holding prices steady, the USPS continues to implement cost-saving measures across its operations.

Historical trends show January increases are common

The absence of a January 2026 stamp price increase represents a significant deviation from established USPS practices. Historically, January has been a predictable time for postage rate adjustments. Since 2012, the agency has adjusted postage ten times during the first month of the year.

This pattern marks a sharp contrast with earlier postal history. Throughout the entire 20th century, stamp prices were adjusted only 17 times, yet since 2000, they have increased 16 times. The acceleration in frequency reflects the financial pressures facing the modern postal service, primarily due to declining mail volume—which has dropped by 68% since 2007.

Recently, the USPS has favored two increases per year—one in January and one in July. The July 2025 hike followed this pattern, which raised the First-Class Mail stamp from 73 to 78 cents.

Mailing Services price increases typically align with the consumer price index, whereas Shipping Services adjustments respond to market conditions [9]. Still, the USPS has typically adjusted both categories every January.

Even with regular increases, American postage remains relatively affordable internationally. A 2024 study found that U.S. stamp prices were lower than 26 out of 30 comparable countries. Moreover, despite periodic adjustments, the inflation-adjusted cost of stamps has remained relatively stable over time.

USPS raises shipping rates but keeps mailing services unchanged

Unlike the stability in First-Class Mail rates, the USPS has officially filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for significant shipping rate increases starting January 18, 2026. These proposed adjustments, already approved by the USPS governors, will affect several popular shipping services. The upcoming changes include:

Priority Mail Express prices will now start at $33.00, while Ground Advantage starts at $7.30. The USPS credits this difference to its two-track strategy: mailing services follow the consumer price index, while shipping rates respond to the competitive landscape. This approach helps the USPS maintain stable letter rates while adjusting package costs to match market reality.

The Postal Service frames these selective increases as part of its broader effort to achieve financial sustainability, balancing revenue needs with competitive market positioning. Altogether, this approach allows the USPS to maintain stable letter mail rates throughout early 2026 while adjusting package shipping costs to reflect current market realities.

Looking ahead: Higher postage rates with a break on stamps

The USPS decision to hold First-Class prices steady through early 2026 marks a real shift in policy. For years, people expected a January hike. Instead, the 78-cent Forever stamp provides some predictability for households and businesses during the first months of 2026.

Shipping customers face a tougher start to the year. Those using Priority Mail or Ground Advantage will see higher costs beginning January 18. Postmaster General David Steiner’s choice to skip a mailing hike suggests the agency is weighing consumer needs against economic pressures. While this break is likely temporary—with mid-2026 increases already on the horizon—it offers a bit of breathing room for regular mail users.

Ultimately, the Postal Service is trying to balance its own survival with public affordability. Even with lower mail volumes, the agency is adjusting its strategy to keep services accessible while moving toward long-term financial health.

Key Takeaways

  • Stamps stay at 78 cents: The USPS breaks a decade-long trend of January hikes.
  • Shipping costs go up: Priority Mail and Ground Advantage see increases of 5–8% on January 18.
  • Two-track pricing: The USPS ties mail to inflation but ties shipping to market competition.
  • Mid-2026 hikes are coming: This price freeze only covers the first half of the year.

Stamp Price Increase 2023 – The New Price of a Stamp

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If you’re a family who still enjoys the charm of mailing letters or a small business owner who relies on the postal service, make plans to adjust to the latest stamp price increase. The price of a stamp is going up by 3 cents Sunday, marking the third price hike in the last 12 months. This is the 17th rate change since 2000 and the shortest time between stamp increases in the Postal Service’s history.

The Postal Service has justified the stamp price increase as a necessary measure to “offset the rise in inflation” and to address “continued elevated inflation and prior years defective pricing model.” However, critics argue that these hikes are causing a rapid decline in mail volumes, a phenomenon they’ve dubbed ‘stampflation.’

Kevin Yoder, executive director of the advocacy group Keep US Posted, points out that each time the price of a stamp goes up, mail volumes decrease at a faster rate than projected. After January’s stamp price increase, mail volume immediately decreased nearly 9% year-over-year, while expenses increased by 16%.

The number of pieces of mail handled by the post office has been on the decline in recent years as more people pay bills online, email Evites for parties and send fewer physical thank you cards. In 2022, USPS handled 127.3 billion pieces of mail compared to the high of 213.1 billion in 2006.

So, what does this mean for you? Starting Sunday, July 9, the price of a stamp for a 1-ounce letter will be 66 cents, up from 63 cents. The first-class stamp will be double the 1999 rate of 33 cents. Other increases include metered 1-ounce letters, which will cost 63 cents, up from 60 cents, and postcards sent domestically, which will be 51 cents, up from 48 cents. International postcards and 1-ounce letters will be $1.50, a 5-cent increase.

But it’s not just the stamps. The cost for Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and insurance are also increasing.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by this stamp price increase, here’s a tip for you: stock up on Forever Stamps. The Postal Service first started selling Forever stamps in 2007, when they cost 41 cents. Since 2011, all first-class commemorative stamps have been issued as Forever stamps. These stamps will always be valid for the first-class mail postage rate, no matter how much the price of a stamp increases in the future.

Unfortunately, this may not be the end of the price hikes. More stamp price increases are expected as part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year Delivering for America plan “to achieve financial sustainability.”

So, whether you’re a family sending out holiday cards or a small business shipping products, it’s time to strategize. Consider investing in Forever stamps, explore digital alternatives, or adjust your budget to accommodate the stamp price increase. The postal service is still a vital part of our communication infrastructure and with a little planning, you won’t even notice the stamp price increase today.

The Price of Mailing Ballots to Voters

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Today, the New York Times has a report on how states pay the USPS to mail ballots to voters.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said the Postal Service under the postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, a major donor to the Trump campaigns, had “informed some states that they may need to pay a first-class rate to deliver ballots rather than the normal rate — nearly tripling the cost.”

A New Clash over Mail Voting: The Cost of Postage

Important note: As a voter, know that regardless of how you get your ballot delivered to you, you’ll be returning it to your local voting authority with First Class mail. The debate is over how states get the ballot to you in the first place. There are two ways states have been distributing ballots to voters:

  • First Class mail — This is the same mail service that delivers consumer letters you mail every day. It’s the same service you get by paying the price of a stamp and attaching it to a letter. It usually takes 3 to 5 days.
  • Marketing mail — This service is meant for bulk mailing and most “junk mail” and the USPS defines this to include “printed matter, flyers, circulars, advertising, newsletters, bulletins, catalogs and small parcels.” It’s cheaper, but it can take up to 10 days to reach its destination.

Because marketing material is a lower-priority than other mail mail, USPS officials have been recommending that states use the more expensive First Class postage option. That way, they’ll get ballots to voters promptly and reliably. For some states, the more expensive First Class option is too expensive.

Coronavirus Update: Send USPS Mail Without Visiting the Post Office

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It’s a difficult time to stay in touch with loved ones and continue to operate a business as the Coronavirus outbreak forces many people to shelter in place or self-quarantine at home. The USPS is an essential service that has committed to continuing to operate but if you’re trying to send mail without leaving home it can be difficult.

There’s one solution with three incredible benefits during this tough time:

  • Stay home – Weigh, purchase and print postage without leaving your house
  • Send official postage – Print official USPS postage domestic or international
  • Save money on stamps – Save money on postage with stamp discounts you can’t get at the Post Office
Print USPS postage from your computer. Try Stamps.com today!

Ultimate Stamp Price Guide 2019

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“Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there.”

― Josh Billings, 19th-century American humorist

Effective 1/27/19, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has made changes to the price of a stamp. While some decreases can be found, the big change came in the largest-ever stamp price increase in history. And some prices have seen no changes at all. Read on for a complete guide to the price of a stamp and other postage increases 2019!

USPS Postage Price Changes – At a Glance

  • Mailing Services Products – approximate increase of 2.5%
  • Priority Mail Express –  approximate increase of 3.9%
  • Priority Mail increased approximate increase of 5.9%

Stamp Prices Are Low – An Overview

The USPS reportedly has some of the lowest postage rates in the world and offers competitive rates for shipping. The USPS, unlike other carriers, does not add extra fees for things like fuel, residential delivery, weekend delivery, or holiday season delivery. In addition, seeing zero tax dollars for operations, it subsists solely on sales of postage, products, and services to support its entirety. Before we get into the new prices, to whet your appetite, here are a few other USPS facts:

  • 493.4 million mail pieces are processed each day
  • That is 20.6 million each hour
  • Per minute, 342,638 are processed
  • And 5,711 mail pieces are processed every second

So, when you send your grandmother a letter letting her know you’re doing just fine, and yes you did get that $5 she mailed last week (thanks, Oma!), that’s factored into these statistics. When you sell your DVD boxset of The Nanny on Ebay because you have a digital copy now, and you ship that on to Utah, that’s another tick on the ol’ USPS fact sheet. When your hand has uncramped enough to finally get around to physically mailing out those thank you notes from your graduation party six months ago, those too are included in the 493.4 million mail pieces process each day!

Price Increases for First Class Mail

Here’s a recap of what First Class Mail gets you, at just the price of a stamp:

  • Best priced service for mail up to 13 oz
  • Delivery in 1 to 3 business days
  • Insurance for loss or damage up to $5,000 for merchandise only
  • Can combine with extra services to confirm delivery
  • Up to 3.5 ounces free with commercial priced letters and cards

Changes to Price of a Stamp for Letters and Postcards

With the 2.5 percent price increase for Mailing Services products, the most notable of the new rates is a five-cent increase to the price of a First-Class Mail stamp, from 50 cents to 55 cents. The 10 percent hike is the largest price increase in the history of the USPS. The second largest price hike was in 1991, when the price of a stamp increased from 25 cents to 29 cents.

Even though the basic 1-ounce price of a stamp went up, another part actually went down. The “additional ounce” price for letters will see a decrease of six cents, from 21 cents to 15 cents. Additional ounces cover anything that weighs more than 1-ounce which is typically a larger document or invitation. This means the 150 wedding invitations (typically a 2-ounce stamped letter) you need to send out may only cost 70 cents a piece, rather than 71 cents. And who doesn’t want to save $1.50?

Complete Pricing Breakdown

  • Letters (1 oz.) $0.55
  • Letters – Additional Ounces: $0.15
  • Non-Machinable Surcharge: $0.15 (see below!)
  • Letters (metered 1 oz.): $0.50 (metered mail is when a postage meter stamps directly onto the letter)
  • Outbound (Outgoing) International Letters (1 oz.): $1.15
  • Domestic Postcards: $0.35

Please note the base price of $0.55 is for a standard-sized, rectangular envelope. If your envelope is square, oversized, or unusually shaped, costs for stamps begin at $0.70. This factors in your non-machinable surcharge (see below).

In the same vein, stamps for standard-sized, rectangular postcards start at $0.35. Any oversized postcards require letter stamps, which as we’ve now learned, start at $0.55.

Complete Sizing Guide

Letters qualify under the following dimensions:

  • Length – minimum 5”, maximum 11 ½”
  • Height – minimum 3 ½”, maximum 6 ⅛”
  • Thickness – minimum .007”, maximum ¼”

Cards qualify under the following dimensions:

  • Length – minimum 5”, maximum 6”
  • Height – minimum 3 ½”, maximum 4 ¼”
  • Thickness – minimum .007”, maximum 0.016”

What is a “Non-Machinable” Surcharge?

If you have unusually shaped mail pieces – like uneven, stiff, square, or vertical envelopes – and the machine is unable to sort them into the correct pile, or if your mail has extras – like buttons, clasps, or string – it must be hand-cancelled (processed by a human being). These mail items are considered “non-machinable,” and a fee of $0.15 may be applied, even if they weigh less than the standard letter 1 oz.

What About Forever Stamps?

If you’re wondering about First-Class Mail Forever stamps – introduced in 2007 and designated for 1 oz letters that don’t expire even if stamp prices increase – they will still be available for purchase, but at the increased rate of $0.55. Forever stamps purchased before the increase on 1/27/19 will, of course, be honored.

Changes to Priority Mail Prices

First, here’s a quick recap of what the USPS Priority Mail service includes:

  • Delivery in 1 to 3 business days
  • Delivery available seven days a week in most locations
  • Prices starting at $7.35
  • Can combine with extra services to confirm delivery

Domestic Priority Mail Retail Flat Rate (Boxes and Envelopes)

In an attempt to simplify things, the USPS introduced the first flat rate envelope in 1991 and the first flat rate box in 2004. As their name indicates, there is a flat rate – a one-time fee – and no further weighing or calculating is needed. If they fit in the box, the price is locked and predictable. These ship in 1-3 business days.

Box TypeDimensionsPrice
Small Flat Rate Box8 11⁄16″ x 5 7⁄16″ x 1 3⁄4″$7.90
Medium Flat Rate Box (top loading)11 1⁄4″ x 8 3⁄4″ x 6$14.36
Medium Flat Rate Box (side loading)14″ x 12″ x 3 1⁄2″$14.36
Large Flat Rate Box12 1⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ x 6″$19.95
APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box*12 1⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ x 6″$18.45
Regular Flat Rate Envelope12 1⁄2″ x 9 1⁄2″$7.35
Legal Flat Rate Envelope9 1⁄2″ x 15″$7.65
Padded Flat Rate Envelope12 1⁄2″ x 9 1⁄2″$8.00

*The USPS offers a discount of $1.50 per Priority Mail Flat Rate Box to those who want to send loved ones serving in the military a special delivery. Just look for the abbreviation APO – which stands for Air or Army Post Office – or FPO – which stands for Fleet Post Office (Navy).

A Note On First-Class Package Service and Zone-Based Pricing

First-Class Package Service, the light, fast service primarily used by businesses for fulfillment purposes will move to zone-based pricing. These zones are predetermined and factor the distance from where shipping begins to the package’s destination. According to USPS, this is to better align with the cost of service and is intended to improve value based on distance.

Concluding Thoughts on Stamp Price Increase

According to the New York Times, within the last ten years, the number of first-class mail pieces sent through the United States Postal Service has fallen by more than 50 percent. If you don’t include invitations and holiday cards, the average American household receives only 10 pieces of personal mail each year. Although the statistics presented earlier certainly seem staggering (5,711 mail pieces are processed every second?!), the fact of the matter is Americans just aren’t communicating the way they used to. And yet, a postal worker visits every mailbox several days a week, regardless of the volume.

One needs only to briefly visit the USPS website before discovering that, though the information is certainly helpful, it isn’t the most navigable or consumer-friendly. Perhaps if data was arranged in a one-stop, confusion-free way, folks would be able to move past the terms “non-machineable” and “automation,” and quickly reference whether or not their letter or package fits in a particular category, and how much that category costs. Yeah, someone should probably make that quick-reference…

So, here it is! Our Ultimate Guide to the 2019 Price of a Stamp.

Stamp Price Increase – Everything You Need to Know About the New Price of a Stamp

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The United States Post Office (USPS) has announced that stamp prices will increase this weekend. What does that mean for the typical household who mails greeting cards, thank you notes, bills, and letters? For starters, the price of a stamp will now be 55 cents, up 5 cents from the previous price.  You can also expect to pay anywhere from 2.5% to 5.9% more for shipping services with the USPS such as Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.

Read on to learn more about how you can ensure that yourmail has sufficient postage with the imminent stamp price increase.

When will the new stamp price be effective?

The new price of a stamp will take effect Sunday, January 27, 2019.  This is the date when the price changes are slated to take effect. Whether your post office will continue to postmark and deliver mail that has been dropped off in post office boxes before Sunday with the old pricing depends on your local post office’s practices. Many post offices will return mail with insufficient postage to the sender and others will let some letters through for the next few days.

Those who have already mailed First Class letters which have been postmarked before Sunday, January 27 will not be affected by the price increase. A postmark is meant to cancel affixed postage and indicate that the USPS has taken custody of the letter or package for its delivery. You can read more about postmarks in the USPS handbook here.

Individuals who use a Forever Stamp to mail letters weighing less than 1 oz. will not be affected by the price change, and can continue to use their old Forever Stamps which they bought at the lower stamp prices.

How much are postal rates increasing?

The most significant change to the postal rates for those who regularly pay bills by mail, send greeting cards, etc., is the price increase for the cost of the Forever Stamp. Forever Stamps were created by the USPS in 2007 to mail First Class letters regardless of the postage rate. On January 27, 2019, the price of Forever Stamps will increase from 50 cents to 55 cents.

Does this increase apply to any other postage pricing?

  • First Class letters that are metered will undergo a rate increase from 47 cents to 50 cents for metered mail weighing less than 1 oz.
  • First Class outbound international letters will not undergo a rate increase and will remain at the current rate – $1.15 for letters weighing up to 1 oz.
  • First Class Domestic Postcard stamps will remain at their current rate – 35 cents.
  • Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services will also see a price increase. Priority Mail Express prices will go up by 3.9%, while Priority Mail will increase by nearly 6 percent. This includes both Priority Mail flat rate boxes and envelopes as well as “zone-based” Priority Mail pricing (which is based on geographic location as well as the weight of the letter or package). In general, as reflected by its most recent price increase, the USPS is moving toward zone-based pricing for both consumers and businesses to improve its efficiency. Check with your local post office for specific zone prices.

Will my stamps still work the same way?

Because the Forever Stamps were designed to work regardless of the exact “price of a stamp,” those who use Forever Stamps will largely remain unaffected by the rate change. You can still use your old Forever Stamps, regardless of how much you paid for them and when you bought them, to mail First Class letters weighing up to 1 oz. without affixing additional postage to the envelope.

First Class mail which weighs more than 1 oz. will require additional postage, but the price for additional ounces of mail will decrease with the most recent stamp prices which go into effect this weekend – down to 15 cents for each additional ounce rather than 21 cents. Therefore, using the old pricing rate for mail greater than 1 oz. will still ensure that your mail arrives promptly without interruption (because you’ll be paying a little more!). However, it’s best to consult with your local USPS office or use a postage scale to determine the new rate you will need to pay for letters weighing more than 1 oz. 

The bottom line is that unless you are mailing heavier envelopes that are greater than 1 oz., you can continue to use your Forever Stamps with no interruptions or changes. You can continue to use the old pricing for extra ounces on First Class Mail (as the additional ounces pricing has decreased in the most recent price updates). For First Class letters greater than 1 oz., obtain the most up-to-date postage pricing to ensure that your mail is delivered without interruption and at the lowest price.

What do I do with old stamps worth 50 cents or less?

For stamps you have purchased at the post office that are not Forever Stamps – for example, specialty stamps or extra postage you may have received at an Automated Postal Center – you will need to ensure that you affix at least 55 cents of postage – the current Forever Stamp rate for 1 ounce letters. This will ensure you’ll have no interruptions in mail delivery, such as your mail being returned to you as undeliverable due to insufficient postage.

What are my options for buying the new stamps and postage?

Your options for buying the new stamps and postage remain exactly the same as before. Postage can still be purchased at a local post office, online at usps.com, though a postage scale and at a variety of local retailers such as drugstores and grocery stores. On the USPS website, you can continue to purchase stamps and postage at the most up-to-date rate.

Why is the stamp price increase so large this year?

The postage rate increases were approved by the US Postal Regulatory Commission, the US Postal Service’s regulating body, last fall. The USPS is constantly balancing competitive pricing with making sure the operation actually works. The across-the-board average increase of 2.5% is meant to ensure that the USPS postal prices can keep up with inflation.

Before this weekend’s price increase, the largest stamp price jump occurred in 1991, when postage stamp prices increased 4 cents to 29 cents (a 16% hike). Therefore, this weekend’s First Class stamp price increase, while only a 10% hike, is the largest increase – 5 cents — in USPS history.

The Bottom Line

The USPS is raising postage prices in an effort to keep up with inflation, stay competitive, and be able to deliver the best services to customers while also generating enough revenue to operate. 

In summary, for those who are mailing normal-sized envelopes using Forever Stamps, with a weight of both less than or greater than 1 oz., you do not need to make any changes as your mail will still have sufficient postage and therefore be delivered without delays or interruptions.  Those using Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express services to mail packages and letters can expect to pay anywhere from 2.9-5.9% more.

Customers can obtain the most up-to-date pricing at a USPS location or bookmark our homepage to make sure they always know the price of a stamp!

Price of a Stamp Increases by Two Cents — Forever Stamp Value Going Up

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Beginning today, the price of a stamp has increased by two cents to a grand total of 49 cents. Any new purchases of Forever Stamps will now cost customers 49 cents each although any Forever Stamps bought before today will increase in value and cover the cost of mailing a letter — requiring no action by you.

This stamp price increase clocks in at 4.2%. Although 2 cents and a few percent don’t sound like much, when Forever Stamps are purchased in rolls of 100, the increase will cost consumers and businesses an extra two dollars. Organizations that depend on mailing standard letters and consumers who buy lots of stamps will be impacted the most.

Other postage prices are changing too

Discounted “metered mail” letters will actually go down by half a cent (this is usually reserved for businesses and bulk mailers). First Class mail “flats” will increase by 4 cents and settle at 98 cents. Postcards will remain the same price and the cheapest way to send mail at only 34 cents.

The price of a stamp before today’s increase

The price of a stamp has actually been exactly this high before. In a strange and unprecedented move, the price of a stamp actually went down in April of 2016. It was 49 cents at that time too and the change last year caused the price to settle at 47 cents after pressure in Washington forced the U.S. Postal Service, which controls the price of a stamp, to move the price down. In other words, just before this increase, the price of a stamp was 47 cents.

Here’s a summary of the recent changes:

  • As of January 22nd, 2017: 49 cents per stamp
  • As of April 10th, 2016: 47 cents per stamp
  • As of May 31st, 2015: 49 cents per stamp

The last time our stamp price was 49 cents was considered an “exigent” increase permitted by regulatory agencies largely due to the U.S. economic recession. We’ve explained the larger history of stamp prices in a previous post.

Why is the price of a stamp changing so much?

Forever stamp increased to 49 cents

Forever Stamps maintain their value even when stamp prices go up.

This stamp price hike has been inevitable and we’ve known about it ever since the USPS announced it in October. The U.S. Postal Service is allowed to raise the price of a stamp to keep pace with inflation. That’s the rationale the USPS cited in their press release explaining the price change.

But behind the scenes, the USPS has been eager to make price changes upward because of the rising cost of maintaining their business. The huge burden that makes the mailing service challenging to maintain is a ballooning retiree health benefits program that costs billions per year. For bureaucratic reasons, their retirement health program isn’t integrated with Medicare and hasn’t been revised by Congress. Additionally, technology like email, unpredictable oil prices and the increased competition from other services like Amazon and FedEx have made it hard for the USPS to balance their budget. In 2016, they posted a massive $5.6 billion net loss. Any price increases, including adjustments of just a few cents, can help make up for this loss.

4 Reasons Every Business Needs a Scale to Calculate the Best Mail Rates

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It doesn’t matter your mail volume! Every business needs, at minimum, a digital scale to be effective and efficient in handling daily mailing needs. This article dives into the 4 most prominent reasons. We’ll cover one really striking situation where you could be paying double for postage if you don’t invest in a digital scale. That hurts.

Digital scales can be purchased for as little as $10 to $20 (here’s the one I use because it doubles well as a kitchen/coffee scale), and can offer savings in many magnitudes — usually around $1 per package. It’s easy to see the ROI on that solution.

If you use a service like Stamps.com, you can easily opt in to add a scale that syncs with their online mail portal.

Save Time and Money by Sending Mail from the Office

The most important reason to own a digital scale is to save time and money by avoiding the post office. While it’s great to work with a USPS postage pro who can answer questions and help you decide on the right mailing services for you… you’ve heard the truth a hundred times here on Price of a Stamp: going to the post office is unfortunately a waste of time and money.

The reason you’re wasting money is simple: by shipping from home, the USPS offers you some deep discounts. For instance, a 15-ounce letter shipped Priority Mail within Los Angeles would cost $5.60 if you brought it to the post office. It would only cost $5.05 if you weighed it, labelled it online and shipped it from home. That’s the difference of a price ofa stamp right there! (Imagine how the price difference would add up over hundreds of shipments!)

An ideal digital scale for small biz postage use

The digital scale I use every day in my business.

And the reason you’re wasting time is by travelling to the post office and waiting in line. The USPS offers pick-up options for nearly any situation. Small items can be left in your mailbox for the postal worker to collect during his or her regular drop-offs.

Avoid Overpaying for Postage

Many small businesses only carry a few items — maybe even just one item. So they spec out approximately how much these items will weigh based on historical postage prices at the Post Office or product specifications and then use these numbers on a daily basis. Or, they use a bathroom scale (since they’re easy to obtain) and use that to weigh a few items, then round up to account for a bathroom scale’s margin of error (which could be as bad as +/- 10%). Some businesses print out the same weight’s worth of postage for every shipment or load on postage stamps until the price of the stamps exceeds the required postage.

If you weigh your packaging and products this way or pay for postage like this, you could be vastly overpaying for postage. Generally, the reason is obvious: by rounding up, you’re naturally adding weight to your shipments and then buying extra postage or stamps to compensate for it. Another factor that contributes to your rounding error is packaging. Day-to-day, the amount and type of packaging you and your employees use will fluctuate.

Using a scale will give you exact weight measurement for each shipment and avoid rounding up and over-paying.

Testing and Refinement of Postage Pricing

If you use a digital scale on a daily basis in your business, over time, you and your employees will discover cheaper, lighter packaging solutions. By simple virtue of the fact that you and your team will be measuring your postage pricing and weights every day, attention will be brought to how much money is wasted and where.

“What gets measured gets managed.” – Peter Drucker

Given this advantage, push it to its limit by experimenting with different packaging (paper, bubble wrap, peanuts) and different containers (envelopes, cardboard, paper stocks). Over time, you’ll learn how these things impact the cost of mailing.

Underpaying for Mail Damages Your Business — How to Avoid It

A scale for calculating how many stamps you need

 

Under-paying for postage can wreak havoc on your business in many ways. It’s one way you can guarantee to pay more than 200% the regular postage rate. Here’s why: sometimes, if you put too few stamps on a package or pay for less postage than a package needs, the item will be returned to your doorstep. You aren’t reimbursed for the first round of postage and its value will be “cancelled” (stamped with a logo, rendering it useless). When you mail the package to the customer again, you’ll have to pay for more postage — effectively doubling the cost of mailing that item.

Another way that underpaying for mail can impact your business is when the package actually arrives at your customer’s door… because sometimes, the USPS will deliver the item with “postage due.” This means the postman will ask your customer to pay for the additional missing postage. This involves a somewhat convoluted process that could cause your customer some trouble. It’s bad customer service and it’s generally very unprofessional to leave your fans and prospects with such a headache.

Now What?

Don’t wait another minute — invest in a digital scale so you can start saving your business’s valuable resources. You’ll avoid over and underpaying for postage, empower your biz to test packaging solutions and get discounted rates from the USPS.

You can get one for about $20 on Amazon, and like I said, I use this beautiful machine for my own business. You can also bundle in a digital scale when you sign up for a mailing service like Stamps.com — these have the added fancy feature of integrating with the software, pulling in the weight information automatically.