Stop me if you’ve heard this before: first-class postage rates are going up. But nothing too drastic!

The U.S. Postal Service announced changes affecting first-class, standard and non-profit mail that went into effect Jan. 22, 2017.

Here are highlights of some of the changes:

  • First-class stamp increased from $0.47 to $0.49 a piece
  • First-class flats increased from $0.94 to $0.98, each addl oz. costs $0.21
  • Postcard rates will remain the same at $0.34
  • What was known as “Standard” mail (formerly “Bulk”) is now being referred to as “Marketing Mail” by U.S.P.S.

As always, contact your agency liaison or mailhouse representative to get specific postage estimates in order to adjust your postage budgets accordingly for the year.