Welcome to the Dove Direct Print and Marketing Blog. Today's post, "2019 USPS Rate Increase" points to increased postal rates set to take effect on January 27, 2019. These price hikes will affect USPS First-Class Mail and Shipping Services.
We contend that in order to mitigate to some degree these postage increases, it's a good idea to enlist a printing partner that is USPS certified, including an on-site postal clerk(s). Let's dive into the specific rate increases the USPS has posted.
In addition, by selecting a certified USPS printer, you will be able to obtain and lock in the best discount rate possible for a stated period of time.
New 2019 Postal Rates:
- First-Class Mail® Forever® stamp rises from 50 cents to 55 cents
- First-Class Metered Letters increase from 47 cents to 50 cents - 5¢ savings over stamps
- Additional ounces for First-Class letters drops from 21¢ to 15¢
- Mailing Services product prices increase approximately 2.5 percent on average
- Shipping Services products will continue to vary by product
- Priority Mail increases on average by 5.9 %
- Priority Mail Express will rise by 3.9 % overall
The Mailing Services price changes include:
| Product | Expiring | New Prices 01/27/19 |
| Letters (1 oz.) | $0.50 | $0.55 |
| Letters Additional Ounces | $0.21 | $0.15 |
| Letters (Metered) | $0.47 | $0.50 |
| Outbound International Letters (1 oz.) | $1.15 | $1.15 |
| Domestic Postcards | $0.35 | $0.35 |
The Domestic Priority Mail Flat Rate® retail price changes include:
| Product | Expiring | New Prices 01/27/19 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $7.20 | $7.90 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | $13.65 | $14.35 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $18.90 | $19.95 |
| APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box | $17.40 | $18.45 |
| Regular Flat Rate Envelope | $6.70 | $7.35 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $7.00 | $7.65 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $7.25 | $8.00 |
Additional USPS Information:
The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) will review the prices before they take effect on January 27, 2019. The complete Postal Service price filings with the new prices for all products can be found on the PRC site under the Daily Listings section at https://www.prc.gov/dockets/daily (see listing for Oct. 10, 2018). For the Mailing Services filing see Docket No. R2019-1. For the Shipping Services filing see Docket No. CP2019-3. The price change tables are also available on the Postal Service website at https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.
The Net-Net
As the USPS increases its rate structure for 2019, high volume mailing projects would fare much better when engaging a certified USPS commercial printer, complete with an on-site USPS mail clerk. As a result, your mail projects will save you time, resources and dollars. While we generally refrain from tooting our own horn, we would be remiss if we did not disclose to you that Dove Directs' DNA includes 30+ years of mailing industry expertise. We hope that you enjoyed reading "2019 USPS Rate Increases." We wish you all a Prosperous 2019!
Let's have a conversation about direct mail strategies, printing, print software, transactional documents, variable digital printing, brand equity and unified marketing collateral during our next Open House. We invite you to join us on Thursday, January 31st, 2019, for an hour or two, anytime between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Let us show you how to improve your document processes to optimize your workflow, reduce your costs, and maximize your organization's printing, letter shop and mailing capabilities. Dove Direct does have an official USPS certified bureau located within our offices that will save you time and money. And, if you bring us your files, we will create a demo file for you. For more information call Carla Eubanks at 404-629-0122 or email Carla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Atlanta based print and mail solutions provider offers organizations end-to-end data, printing and mailing solutions: Data Management, Variable Digital Printing, LetterShop and Fulfillment, Fully Automated MLOCR Presort Bureau, Marketing and Production Management Support and Secure Data Life Cycle Management.
If you don't want to wait for the Open House, you can reach Dove Direct today by calling 404-629-0122 or use the contact form for Dove Direct.