The USPS has new postage rates set to take effect on July 13, 2025. While rate adjustments are a regular part of the mailing landscape, this one comes alongside major structural changes like the elimination of NDC discounts, making it even more important for mailers to stay informed and proactive.
This is a critical time to revisit your entry strategies, and commingling may be your best tool for offsetting these increases while keeping delivery performance strong.
What’s Changing
The average price increase across key mailing products is around 6.97%, with some categories, like postcards, jumping over 10%. Here’s a quick snapshot:
|
Product |
Current |
New |
% Increase |
|
Letters (1 oz) |
$0.73 |
$0.78 |
6.85% |
|
Metered Letters (1 oz) |
$0.69 |
$0.74 |
7.25% |
|
Domestic Postcards |
$0.56 |
$0.62 |
10.71% |
|
International Postcards |
$1.65 |
$1.70 |
3.03% |
|
International Letters (1 oz) |
$1.65 |
$1.70 |
3.03% |
Price increases are taking effect across the mailing spectrum including:
- First-Class Mail®: Increases for stamped and metered letters, flats, and additional ounces
- USPS Marketing Mail®: Repricing across automation and carrier route categories
- Periodicals & Packages: Adjustments based on weight and presort
- Special Services: Price hikes for Certified Mail®, Return Receipt, and others
In addition to price increases, the USPS is actively restructuring how mail enters and moves through its network. This includes eliminating DNDC discounts and pushing for SCF and DDU entry, both of which affect how your mail is sorted, routed, and delivered.
Why It Matters
While a few cents may not seem like much, large-volume mailers will feel the cumulative impact quickly. While each increase may seem small, they add up quickly, especially at scale.
For marketers and print buyers already navigating tight budgets, higher paper and logistics costs, and a crowded communications landscape, these rate changes can make a noticeable impact on campaign ROI.
This is where commingling delivers real value by lowering postage costs, increasing efficiency, and helping your campaigns stay competitive even in a challenging cost environment.
What You Can Do Now
Rate increases are inevitable. But your response doesn’t have to be reactive. Here’s how to prepare strategically:
- Audit your mailing mix: Review what you're sending, how often, and to whom. Are you mailing efficiently, or just mailing traditionally?
- Consider commingling services: Combining your mail with others can help you qualify for deeper discounts and improve delivery performance, especially as SCF entry becomes more important.
- Refine formats and weights: Postage adds up fast with heavier pieces or flats. Consider lighter, letter-sized formats or fewer inserts when it makes sense.
- Take advantage of USPS promotions: Tactile, Interactive, and Informed Delivery promos can offset costs if you qualify.
- Coordinate with vendors now: Printers, mail service providers, and logistics partners, like Midwest Direct, may have solutions or suggestions to reduce your exposure.
- Optimize targeting and list hygiene: Sending fewer, more effective pieces beats high-volume, low-impact mail. Clean data reduces waste and saves money.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Rising postage rates don’t have to mean rising campaign costs. With our expert commingling services, we consolidate your mail with others to unlock deeper discounts while improving speed, deliverability, and consistency.
Whether you’re navigating rate tables, optimizing formats, or just trying to stay ahead of USPS changes, we make it simple. Our technology, logistics network, and postal expertise keep your mail efficient, compliant, and cost-effective.
Let’s Talk Today!
Have questions about commingling or mailing strategies? Want help building a campaign that’s smarter from start to finish? We’re just a call or email away. Let’s build something that keeps your message moving and your audience engaged.
