USPS Files Rate Changes To Go Into Effect on July 9, 2023

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has filed new rates to go into effect at 12:01 am
on July 9, 2023, subject to final approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).

Here are the primary USPS stamp price adjustments that would impact most shippers that use first-class mail:

• Letters (1 oz.): Going from 63 cents to 66 cents (up 4.8%).
• Letters (metered 1 oz.): Going from 60 cents to 63 cents (up 5%).
• Domestic Postcards: Going from 48 cents to 51 cents (up 6.3%).
• International Postcards: Going from $1.45 to $1.50 (up 3.5%).
• International Letter (1 oz.): Going from $1.45 to $1.50 (up 3.5%).

In addition, USPS is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products including Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.

If you purchase insurance through the U.S. Post Office, here is what is changing:

• $0.01 – $50.00: $2.70
• $50.01 – $100.00: $3.45
• $100.01 – $200.00: $4.55
• $200.01 – $300.00: $5.95
• $300.01 – $400.00: $7.50
• $400.01 – $500.00: $9.05
• $500.00 – $600.00: $12.15
• $600.01 – $5,000.00: 12.15 plus 1.85 for each 100.00 or fraction thereof over 600.00

Keep in mind that some USPS services include basic insurance coverage.

Certified Mail Prices are changing as follows:

• Certified Mail: $4.35
• Certified Mail with Restricted Delivery and/or Adult Signature: $11.45

For those who use a PO Box for their business, check page 140 for changes to your box rental fees.

USPS Blames Inflation

“As operating expenses fueled by inflation continue to rise 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,” said USPS in a statement.

This post briefly highlights adjustments most relevant to small business shippers. These price adjustments are for Market Dominant products only. USPS usually increases prices for parcel shipments (non-market dominant products) in early January.

However, this year, USPS plans to simplify its ground parcel services, which are also anticipated to go into effect on July 9, 2023, if approved by the PRC.

Richard Meldner

Richard is co-founder of eSeller365. He has over 17 years of experience on eBay which includes tens of thousands of sales to buyers in over 100 countries and even has experience with eBay’s VeRO program enforcing intellectual property rights for a former employer. And for about two years Richard sold products on Amazon using Amazon FBA in the US.

To “relax” from the daily business grind, for a few weekends a year, he also works for IMSA as a professional race official.