Domestic Postage Rates
- First-Class Mail (Letters):
- Up to 1 ounce: $0.60
- Each additional ounce: $0.24
- Second-Class Mail (Periodicals and Newspapers):
- Varies based on weight, destination, and other factors
- Priority Mail:
- Varies based on weight, size, and destination; typically starts at $9.68
- Express Mail:
- Varies based on weight, size, and destination; typically starts at $27.65
International Postage Rates
- Letters (up to 1 ounce):
- Canada: $1.40
- United Kingdom: $1.50
- Australia: $1.60
- Postcards:
- Canada: $1.20
- United Kingdom: $1.30
- Australia: $1.40
- Priority Mail:
- Varies based on weight, size, and destination; typically starts at $45.75
- Express Mail:
- Varies based on weight, size, and destination; typically starts at $65.25
How Postage Stamps are Used
Postage stamps are adhesive labels or paper that serve as a form of prepayment for postal services. They indicate that the postage has been paid for mailing a letter, postcard, or package.
- Denomination: The denomination of a stamp represents the value of postage it covers.
- Franking: The process of attaching stamps to mail is known as franking.
- Metered Mail: Instead of using stamps, some businesses use a postage meter to apply a postage imprint directly onto the mail piece.
Tips for Saving on Postage Costs
- Optimize Weight: Keep mail items below 1 ounce to qualify for the lowest first-class rate.
- Use Flat Rate Envelopes: Flat rate envelopes, such as the Priority Mail Envelopes, offer a fixed rate regardless of weight.
- Consider Electronic Mailing: Sending emails instead of physical mail can save on postage costs.
Emerging Trends in Postage Stamps
- Digital Postage: Virtual stamps purchased online and applied to digital mail.
- Personalized Stamps: Create custom stamps featuring your own photos or designs.
- Interactive Stamps: Stamps with augmented reality features that enhance the mailing experience.
Tables for Reference
| Service | Domestic Rate | International Rate (1 oz.) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Letter | $0.60 | $1.40 (Canada) |
| Second-Class Mail | Varies | Varies |
| Priority Mail | Starts at $9.68 | Starts at $45.75 |
| Express Mail | Starts at $27.65 | Starts at $65.25 |
| Country | Postcard Rate | Letter Rate (up to 1 oz.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.20 | $1.40 |
| United Kingdom | $1.30 | $1.50 |
| Australia | $1.40 | $1.60 |
| Weight (oz.) | First-Class Mail Rate | Priority Mail Rate (Zone 1) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | $0.60 | $8.45 |
| 1 | $0.60 | $9.68 |
| 2 | $0.84 | $11.05 |
| 3 | $1.08 | $12.40 |
| Size (in.) | Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope Rate | Priority Mail Flat Rate Box Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 9 | $8.45 | $10.30 |
| 9 x 12 | $11.25 | $12.85 |
| 12 x 16 | $14.05 | $15.40 |
| 16 x 16 x 16 | $19.75 | $26.50 |
