Postage Rate Increase for 2026
The USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to propose a postage rate increase that will take effect in mid-July. The rate increase would raise costs of postage by about 4.8%. Affected mail would include Forever stamps, first-class mail pieces, periodicals, USPS marketing mail, and package services.
Postage Rate Comparisons
Below is a helpful table to review proposed changes to postage rates in comparison with current prices.
| Product Type | Current Prices | Proposed Prices |
| Letters | $0.78 | $0.82 |
| Metered Letters (1-oz) | $0.74 | $0.78 |
| Domestic Postcards | $0.61 | $0.65 |
| International Postcards | $1.70 | $1.75 |
| International Letter (1-oz) | $1.70 | $1.75 |
Why is the USPS proposing a postage rate increase?
Citing the ongoing going financial crisis with the USPS along with sharply rising operational costs, the USPS is reviewing all options to increase solvency and the organization’s service to the American people. While rate increases are burdensome to marketers, it is important to bear in mind that the USPS is an independent federal institution that does not receive federal funding. All operations of the USPS are self-financed, and like other large organizations, inflation and rising operating costs require adjustments to pricing.
Tips for Managing Postal Rate Increases
While a 4.8 percent increase in postage presents a challenge to businesses and marketers, there are ways to reduce other marketing costs to offset price changes.
When it comes to mailing marketing campaigns, we recommend focusing on quality rather than quantity. Some businesses send marketing mail in bulk. Others may use Every Door Direct Mail to send mailers to every household in a single zip code. When costs are lower, this approach works for some businesses but may not be the best method for reaching consumers in this economic climate. Instead, businesses and organizations should take a deep dive into their data from previous campaigns and carefully review their mailing lists. Analyzing the performance of past campaigns can help businesses and organizations identify their ideal recipients by demographic data. This information can be used in future campaigns to target an organization’s ideal customer based on reliable information like age, gender, household income, and location. Reviewing your mailing lists can also offset costs associated with rising postage rates. Chances are, if you haven’t scrutinized your mailing lists recently, you likely have duplicate listings, inactive addresses, and other common errors.
Technology can make sending quality direct mail easier and more efficient than ever before. Cross media marketing is also a cost-effective means of improving the conversion rates with direct mail.
Pel Hughes is a full-service printing company that offers an array of services to help marketers keep costs low and improve the efficacy of direct mail campaigns. We provide cross media marketing, campaign automation, and database services. Give us a call today at (504) 486-8646 to discuss your marketing needs.
