CloudContacts Blog

It’s January 2012 and that means another round of price increases at the Post Office. The USPS has posted all of the new prices effective January 22, 2012 which affect every type of mail and postal service available.  Instead of a simple price increase chart, you need to download the spreadsheets for the type of mailing services you use.

Here are some of the most popular types of mail and their new prices:

• Regular letter up to 1 oz. – $0.45
• Postcard – $0.32
• 1-3oz Package – $1.95 (up from $1.71) – the prices for packages appear to have the largest percentage change
• 1oz Large Envelope – $.90
• Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope – $18.95
• Medium International Flat Rate Box – $47.95 (up from $45.50) (lower in Canada)
• Small Flat Rate Domestic Box – $5.35
• Delivery Confirmation – $0.85 (remember you can avoid this by printing the postage at home/office)

Remember that you can save money on shipping by printing your postage at home/office and by making sure you are using the correct flat-rate box. There are several sizes and flat-rate options that you need to order as the local post office does not stock them. These include the “Regional Rate Box” and the “Padded Flat-Rate Mailer” – both options we use a lot here at CloudContacts. The Regional Rate Box is the same rate as a 2lb Priority Mail package but you can fit up to 15 pounds in it. The supplies are all sent free so stock up!

Lastly, don’t forget that for some shipments, using UPS or FedEx might be less expensive. I find that for commercial deliveries, UPS Ground can cost about the same as USPS but UPS offers full tracking and basic insurance. Make sure to signup for an account at both UPS and FedEx to get the best rates.