Navigating the world of shipping can often feel like deciphering a complex code, especially when it comes to understanding Us Postal Service Prices. At polarservicecenter.net, we aim to simplify this for you. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a wide array of mailing and shipping services, each with its own pricing structure based on factors like mail class, weight, size, and destination. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of USPS prices to help you make informed decisions for your mailing and shipping needs in 2024.
Domestic USPS Prices: Mailing Within the U.S.
For shipments within the United States, USPS provides various options catering to different speed and cost requirements. Here’s a look at the key domestic mail classes and their associated prices.
First-Class Mail: Economical and Everyday Mailing
First-Class Mail is ideal for everyday letters, postcards, and lightweight packages. It offers affordability and reliable delivery within 1-5 business days. Prices vary based on the shape and weight of your mailpiece.
Postcards – Retail
For personal correspondence and quick messages, postcards are a cost-effective option. Retail prices for postcards are straightforward.
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Postcards – Retail | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 6 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 4-1/4 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 0.016 inch | Maximum height 4-1/4 inches and maximum length 6 inches for Retail First-Class Mail Postcards. DMM 101.6.2.2 | $0.56 |
Postcards – Commercial
Businesses sending out bulk mailings can leverage Commercial First-Class Mail Postcards for marketing and promotional purposes, often at reduced rates compared to retail.
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Postcards – Commercial | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 9 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 6 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 0.016 inch | Maximum height 6 inches and maximum length 9 inches for Commercial First-Class Mail Postcards.DMM 201.1.2.1 | $0.56 |
Letters
Letters are a staple for personal and business communication, and First-Class Mail Letters offer tiered pricing based on weight for both stamped and metered mail.
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Letters | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 11-1/2 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 6-1/8 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 1/4 inch | Letters that meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics in DMM 101.1.2 are also subject to the $0.46 nonmachinable surcharge | | Weight Not Over (oz.) | Stamped | Metered | |—|—|—|—| | 1 | $0.73 | $0.69 | | 2 | 1.01 | 0.97 | | 3 | 1.29 | 1.25 | | 3.5 | 1.57 | 1.53 | |
Large Envelopes (Flats)
For documents or items that don’t fit in standard letters but are still relatively flat, Large Envelopes (Flats) provide a cost-effective mailing solution.
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Large Envelopes (Flats) | | | minimum* | maximum | | length | 11-1/2 inches | 15 inches | | height | 6-1/8 inches | 12 inches | | thickness | 1/4 inch | 3/4 inch | * Flats exceed at least one of these dimensions. Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay parcel prices. | | Weight Not Over (oz.) | Price | |—|—|—| | 1 | $1.50 | | 2 | 1.77 | | 3 | 2.04 | | 4 | 2.31 | | 5 | 2.59 | | 6 | 2.87 | | 7 | 3.15 | | 8 | 3.43 | | 9 | 3.71 | | 10 | 4.01 | | 11 | 4.31 | | 12 | 4.61 | | 13 | 4.91 | |
Parcels: Shipping Packages with USPS
For packages, USPS offers various Parcel services depending on your needs for speed and budget.
Parcels (USPS Ground Advantage – Retail)
USPS Ground Advantage – Retail is a reliable and economical option for sending packages, balancing cost and delivery speed.
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Parcels | Length + girth combined cannot exceed 108 inches. (USPS Retail Ground Advantage – Retail cannot exceed 130 inches.) length: the longest side of the parcelgirth: measurement around the thickest part (perpendicular to the length) | Pricing varies significantly based on weight, dimensions, and distance. Please use the USPS website or calculator for specific prices. |
Note: For specific parcel prices, it’s recommended to use the USPS online price calculator as prices are highly variable based on destination, dimensions, and weight.
International USPS Prices: Sending Mail Globally
USPS provides a range of international services to reach destinations around the globe. Understanding international us postal service prices involves considering service type and destination price groups.
Flat Rate – International: Simple and Predictable Pricing
For international shipments, USPS Flat Rate options offer simplicity and cost predictability, especially for smaller, heavier items.
Retail Flat Rate – International
Retail Flat Rate options for international shipping include Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International, each with flat rate envelopes and boxes.
Priority Mail Express International – Retail Flat Rate
For urgent international shipments, Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate provides the fastest service with date-certain delivery to many countries.
| Priority Mail Express International | Price Groups |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| Flat Rate Envelopes(max wt. 4 lbs.)12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ and 15″ x 9-1/2″ | $59.50 |
Priority Mail International – Retail Flat Rate
Priority Mail International Flat Rate offers a balance of speed and affordability for international shipments, typically delivering within 6-10 business days.
| Priority Mail International | Price Groups |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| Flat Rate Envelopes(max wt. 4 lbs.)12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ and 15″ x 9-1/2″ | $30.90 |
| Small Flat Rate Box(max wt. 4 lbs.)8-5/8″ x 5-3/8″ x 1-5/8″ Inside8-11/16″ x 5-7/16″ x 1-3/4″ Outside | 32.20 |
| DVD Flat Rate Box1(max wt. 4 lbs.)7-9/16″ x 5-7/16″ x 5/8″ Inside8-3/4″ x 5-9/16″ x 7/8″ Outside | 32.20 |
| Large Video Flat Rate Box1(max wt. 4 lbs.)9-1/4″ x 6-1/4″ x 2″ Inside9-9/16″ x 6-7/16†x 1-3/4″ Outside | 32.20 |
| Medium Flat Rate Boxes(max wt. 20 lbs.)11″ x 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ Inside11-1/4″ x 8-3/4″ x 6″ Outside13-5/8″ x 11-7/8″ x 3-3/8″ Inside14″ x 12″ x 3-1/2″ Outside | 61.80 |
| Large Flat Rate Boxes(max wt. 20 lbs.)11-3/4″ x 12″ x 5-1/2″ Inside12″ x 12-1/4″ x 6″ Outside23-11/16″ x 11-3/4″ x 3″ Inside24-1/16″ x 11-7/8″ x 3-1/8″ Outside | 75.15 |
Note: Price Groups refer to destination countries. Refer to the ‘Country Price Groups’ section for details.
Priority Mail Express International – Retail: Fast International Shipping
For time-sensitive international shipments, Priority Mail Express International Retail provides rapid delivery with tracking and insurance included.
Retail – Large Envelopes & Parcels
For larger items not suited for flat rate options, Priority Mail Express International Retail offers pricing based on weight and destination Price Group.
| Price Groups | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelopes (Max. Wt. 4 lbs.) | $59.50 | $76.25 | $75.55 | $78.70 | $81.60 | $82.40 | $96.35 | $75.55 |
Refer to the detailed tables provided in the original document for weight-based pricing for Priority Mail Express International Retail – Large Envelopes & Parcels across various Price Groups (Price Groups 1-20).
Priority Mail International – Retail: Balanced Speed and Cost for International Shipping
Priority Mail International Retail offers a good compromise between speed and cost for international shipments.
Retail – Large Envelopes & Parcels
Similar to Priority Mail Express International, for larger items, Priority Mail International Retail pricing is determined by weight and destination Price Group.
| Price Groups | Canada 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelopes (Max. Wt. 4 lbs.) | $30.90 | $43.50 | $45.15 | $48.90 | $49.00 | $48.00 | $57.60 | $45.40 |
| Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes (Max. Wt. 4 lbs.) | 32.20 | 45.00 | 46.70 | 50.55 | 50.70 | 49.65 | 59.60 | 46.95 |
| Medium Flat Rate Boxes (Max. Wt. 20 lbs.) | 61.80 | 86.20 | 96.40 | 88.15 | 92.15 | 100.10 | 123.45 | 102.55 |
| Large Flat Rate Boxes (Max. Wt. 20 lbs.) | 75.15 | 101.65 | 121.30 | 103.60 | 108.85 | 133.50 | 152.05 | 132.05 |
Refer to the detailed tables provided in the original document for weight-based pricing for Priority Mail International Retail – Large Envelopes & Parcels across various Price Groups (Price Groups Canada 1, and 2-20).
First-Class Mail International & First-Class Package International Service – Retail: Affordable International Options
For less urgent international mail, First-Class Mail International and First-Class Package International Service offer economical solutions.
First-Class Mail International – Retail Postcards and Letters
First-Class Mail International is ideal for sending postcards and letters internationally at a low cost.
Retail Postcards
| Canada | $1.65 |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 1.65 |
| All other countries | 1.65 |
Retail Letters
| Weight Not Over(oz.) | Price Groups |
|---|---|
| 1Canada | 2Mexico |
| 1 | $1.65 |
| 2 | 1.65 |
| 3 | 2.36 |
| 3.5 | 3.02 |
First-Class Mail International – Retail Large Envelopes (Flats)
For larger documents that are still flat and lightweight, First-Class Mail International Large Envelopes offer another affordable international mailing option.
| Weight Not Over(oz.) | Price Groups |
|---|---|
| 1Canada | 2Mexico |
| 1 | $3.15 |
| 2 | 3.55 |
| 3 | 3.86 |
| 4 | 4.12 |
| 5 | 4.43 |
| 6 | 4.73 |
| 7 | 5.02 |
| 8 | 5.32 |
| 12 | 6.79 |
| 15.994 | 8.27 |
First-Class Package International Service – Retail Packages
For lightweight packages, First-Class Package International Service provides an economical way to ship internationally, although with variations in tracking and delivery speed compared to more premium services.
| Weight Not Over(oz.) | Price Groups |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| 1–8 | $17.85 |
| 9–32 | 26.00 |
| 33–48 | 38.50 |
| 49–64 | 47.60 |
Refer to the detailed tables provided in the original document for weight-based pricing for First-Class Package International Service Retail Packages across various Price Groups (Price Groups 1-20).
Commercial Pricing: Discounts for Businesses
USPS offers Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing for businesses, providing discounted rates on services like Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International. These rates are typically lower than retail prices and require meeting certain volume and preparation requirements. Please consult USPS resources for specific commercial pricing details and eligibility.
Address Management Systems (AMS) Fees: Streamlining Mailing Operations
USPS provides Address Management Systems (AMS) to help businesses maintain accurate and efficient mailing lists. These services come with associated fees.
Refer to the tables in the original document for detailed fees associated with Address Management System services such as Address Sequencing Service, AEC, AEC II, AIS Viewer, AMS API, CRIS, CASS, Change-of-Address services, CDS, DPV, DSF2 Service, eLOT Service, 5-Digit ZIP, Labeling Lists, LACSLINK, MASS Certification, NCOALink Service, Official Zone Charts, RDI Service, Z4 Change, ZIP + 4 Service, ZIP Move, and 99 Percent Accurate Method.
Quick Reference Guides: Domestic and International
For quick access to key pricing information, refer to these quick reference tables summarizing domestic and international us postal service prices.
Quick Reference – Domestic
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Postcards – Retail | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 6 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 4-1/4 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 0.016 inch | Maximum height 4-1/4 inches and maximum length 6 inches for Retail First-Class Mail Postcards. DMM 101.6.2.2 | $0.56 |
| — | — | |
| #### Postcards – Commercial | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 9 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 6 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 0.016 inch | Maximum height 6 inches and maximum length 9 inches for Commercial First-Class Mail Postcards.DMM 201.1.2.1 | $0.56 |
| — | — | |
| #### Letters | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5 inches | 11-1/2 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 6-1/8 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 1/4 inch | Letters that meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics in DMM 101.1.2 are also subject to the $0.46 nonmachinable surcharge | | Weight Not Over (oz.) | Stamped | Metered | |—|—|—|—| | 1 | $0.73 | $0.69 | | 2 | 1.01 | 0.97 | | 3 | 1.29 | 1.25 | | 3.5 | 1.57 | 1.53 | |
| — | ||
| #### Large Envelopes (Flats) | | | minimum* | maximum | | length | 11-1/2 inches | 15 inches | | height | 6-1/8 inches | 12 inches | | thickness | 1/4 inch | 3/4 inch | * Flats exceed at least one of these dimensions. Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay parcel prices. | | Weight Not Over (oz.) | Price | |—|—|—| | 1 | $1.50 | | 2 | 1.77 | | 3 | 2.04 | | 4 | 2.31 | | 5 | 2.59 | | 6 | 2.87 | | 7 | 3.15 | | 8 | 3.43 | | 9 | 3.71 | | 10 | 4.01 | | 11 | 4.31 | | 12 | 4.61 | | 13 | 4.91 | |
| — | ||
| #### Parcels | Length + girth combined cannot exceed 108 inches. (USPS Retail Ground Advantage – Retail cannot exceed 130 inches.) length: the longest side of the parcelgirth: measurement around the thickest part (perpendicular to the length) |
Quick Reference – International
| Shape | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #### Postcards | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5-1/2 inches | 6 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 4-1/4 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 0.016 inch | | | Canada | $1.65 | |—|—|—| | Mexico | 1.65 | | All other countries | 1.65 | |
| — | ||
| #### Letters | | | minimum | maximum | | length | 5-1/2 inches | 11-1/2 inches | | height | 3-1/2 inches | 6-1/8 inches | | thickness | 0.007 inch | 1/4 inch | Letters that meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics in IMM 241.217 are also subject to the $0.46 nonmachinable surcharge | | Weight Not Over(oz.) | Price Groups | |—|—|—| | 1 | 2 | 3–5 | 6–9 | | 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 | $1.65 | $1.65 | | 2 | 1.65 | 2.50 | 2.98 | 2.98 | | 3 | 2.36 | 3.30 | 4.36 | 4.36 | | 3.5 | 3.02 | 4.14 | 5.75 | 5.75 | |
| — | ||
| #### Large Envelopes (Flats) | | | minimum* | maximum | | length | 11-1/2 inches | 15 inches | | height | 6-1/8 inches | 12 inches | | thickness | 1/4 inch | 3/4 inch | * Flats exceed at least one of these dimensions. Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay parcel prices. | | Weight Not Over(oz.) | Price Groups | |—|—|—| | 1 | 2 | 3–5 | 6–9 | | 1 | $3.15 | $3.15 | $3.15 | $3.15 | | 2 | 3.55 | 4.22 | 4.48 | 4.48 | | 3 | 3.86 | 5.16 | 5.78 | 5.78 | | 4 | 4.12 | 6.13 | 7.11 | 7.11 | | 5 | 4.43 | 7.09 | 8.41 | 8.41 | | 6 | 4.73 | 8.03 | 9.71 | 9.71 | | 7 | 5.02 | 9.01 | 11.01 | 11.01 | | 8 | 5.32 | 9.96 | 12.31 | 12.31 | | 12 | 6.79 | 12.03 | 14.92 | 14.92 | | 15.994 | 8.27 | 14.10 | 17.53 | 17.53 | Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay package prices. |
| — | ||
| #### Packages | Size—Other than Rolls Minimum length = 6 inches Minimum height = 4 inches Maximum length = 24 inches Maximum length + height + thickness combined = 36 inches Size—Rolls Minimum length = 8.25 inches Minimum length + twice the diameter combined = 12 inches Maximum length = 36 inches Maximum length + twice the diameter combined = 42 inches |
International Extra Services and Fees: Enhancing Your Shipments
USPS offers extra services for international shipments to provide added security, proof of mailing, and delivery confirmation. These services incur additional fees.
Refer to the tables in the original document for detailed fees associated with international extra services such as Certificate of Mailing, Customs Clearance and Delivery, E-USPS Delcon Intl, International Business Reply Card/Envelope, Pickup on Demand, Registered Mail, Return Receipt, International Insurance, and USPS Tracking Plus.
Conclusion: Mastering USPS Prices for Efficient Shipping
Understanding us postal service prices is crucial for efficient mailing and shipping, whether for personal or business needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of various USPS services and their pricing structures. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, always refer to the official USPS website or use their online price calculator, especially for parcels where prices can vary greatly. By familiarizing yourself with these price details, you can optimize your shipping costs and ensure your mail reaches its destination effectively.
Postal Explorer – Your source for up-to-date business mailing information
pe.usps.com
Notice 123, January 19, 2025
PSN: 7610-03-00-9257
QP: 374
PSIN: NOT123
