How can businesses reduce postage and shipping costs?

There are several strategies for businesses that send mail, envelopes and packages:Use a postage meter: You’ll save 5% on First-Class Mail instantly. Plus you’ll eliminate overpayment by printing the exact postage you need.Presort your mail: Grouping mail pieces by zip code before delivering them to the Post Office qualifies for automation discounts, as long as you meet the minimum requirement of 500 mail pieces. Leverage bulk mailing: Bulk mailing services like Impress Distribute allow you to qualify for lower postage rates by commingling your mail with others for larger volume discounts.Use shipping software: Compare carrier rates, apply commercial discounts, get advanced tracking and avoid surcharges, all while streamlining your workflow.

What is the best source to stay informed about postage price increases?

Don’t let postal rate changes catch you off guard! Stay informed so you can plan ahead and help your business avoid unexpected costs. Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or alerts from the USPS, FedEx, and/or UPS to receive updates on any proposed changes.Consult Postal Rate Specialists: Quadient offers resources and consulting to help your business anticipate rate changes and plan accordingly.Official USPS Announcements: Check the USPS official website and press releases for information on upcoming rate revisions.Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Sign up for the Quadient Connections Newsletter and get insights, tips and resources right in you inbox!

USPS, FedEx and UPS Mailing &amp; Shipping Rates

What's new in 2026

USPS® implemented an increase on shipping products beginning April 26. FedEx® new rates went into effect as of Jan 5, 2026 with additional changes to One Rate as of April 26. UPS® rates in effect as of Dec 22, 2025 for the new year. Details below.

USPS Postage Rates

From First-Class and Ground Advantage to Priority and Certified Mail, get the latest USPS postal rates and learn how to reduce costs through automation and discounts.

FedEx Shipping Rates

Explore FedEx pricing for Ground, Overnight, Next-Day, One Rate and more. Understand the surcharges and service tiers so you avoid overpaying on postage.

UPS Shipping Rates

Review UPS pricing for Ground, Next-Day Air and Saver services. Learn how those zone-based prices will affect your bottom line!

Over 100 years of postal rate expertise

Quadient has helped businesses navigate postal changes for more than a century, saving money, avoiding surprises and keeping mailrooms running smoothly.

Let’s talk about it before the next rate change!

Speak with a mail expert

Solutions to Cut Mailing and Shipping Costs

Looking for ways to stay ahead of rising postage costs? Here are some proven strategies to reduce costs and improve mail delivery, straight from our experts.

Office shipping station with computer, printers, scale, and shipping supplies including FedEx and UPS boxes on shelving.

Save 5% with metered mail

Automatically apply the latest USPS rate updates.
Unlock 5% savings on First-Class Mail.
Eliminate manual postage calculations and reduce errors.

Save of mailing and shipping costs

Cut mailing costs by 25% or more with mail automation.
Save 47% on Priority Mail with shipping software.
Access USPS Merchant Rates using our SMART shipping software for the biggest, deepest discounts.

Rate shop parcel shipping like a pro

Compare USPS, Fedex and UPS rates in one dashboard.
Easily determine the lowest cost or fastest delivery method for every shipment.
Streamline operations with unified mailing and shipping software, managing everything from one place.

Go digital with Certified Mail

Address and print Certified Mail labels right from your desktop. No more clumsy green cards!
Save up to 36% with electronic Return Receipt, $2.82 versus $4.40 for a hard copy Return Receipt.
Track Certified Mail online and archive receipts in our secure portal for easy retrieval.

Tools to help manage annual rate increases

Quadient offers a number of mail automation tools to help you mitigate the effects of regular rate increases on your business.

Postage meters & mailing systems

Finish prepared mail with accurate weighing, postage, and cost control.

Learn more

S.M.A.R.T. Mail Center

Centralize mailing, shipping, accounting and reporting for stronger control across busy mailroom operations.

Learn more

ConnectSuite e-Certify

Prepare, track, and archive Certified Mail with electronic return receipts.

Learn more

AI generated - user interface mock up of the Software BCC Architect showing address validation

Address Correction Software

Reduce the effects of returned mail (late payments) with address validation from BCC software.

Explore postal software

Resources

Rate resources

Keep these resources close to your mailroom, shipping desk or finance team.

USPS 2026 rate guide

Download and post the latest USPS guide near your postage meter.

UPS and FedEx 2026 rate guides

Get updated UPS and FedEx guides, effective January 2026.

Postage rate change webinar

Watch for expert guidance on current rate changes and savings opportunities.

Subscribe for rate-change alerts, articles and mailing tips.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on what you’re sending and how you’re sending it! Rates vary based on mail class, weight, shape, destination and whether or not you use automation or presort services. Here’s a quick peek at some of the most common postal rates businesses use:

Metered rate for a First-Class Mail letter 1 oz. is $0.74
Commercial Base Pricing on Priority Mail products starts at only $9.70
Savings up to 56% with USPS Merchant Rates

Select USPS shipping product rates changed beginning April 26, 2026.

Quadient’s FedEx rate page lists a 5.9% general rate increase effective January 5, 2026.

Quadient’s UPS rate page notes a 5.9% general rate increase for 2026.

There are several strategies for businesses that send mail, envelopes and packages:

Use a postage meter: You’ll save 5% on First-Class Mail instantly. Plus you’ll eliminate overpayment by printing the exact postage you need.
Presort your mail: Grouping mail pieces by zip code before delivering them to the Post Office qualifies for automation discounts, as long as you meet the minimum requirement of 500 mail pieces.
Leverage bulk mailing: Bulk mailing services like Impress Distribute allow you to qualify for lower postage rates by commingling your mail with others for larger volume discounts.
Use shipping software: Compare carrier rates, apply commercial discounts, get advanced tracking and avoid surcharges, all while streamlining your workflow.

Don’t let postal rate changes catch you off guard! Stay informed so you can plan ahead and help your business avoid unexpected costs.

Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or alerts from the USPS, FedEx, and/or UPS to receive updates on any proposed changes.
Consult Postal Rate Specialists: Quadient offers resources and consulting to help your business anticipate rate changes and plan accordingly.
Official USPS Announcements: Check the USPS official website and press releases for information on upcoming rate revisions.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Sign up for the Quadient Connections Newsletter and get insights, tips and resources right in you inbox!

Contact

Ready to optimize mail operations?

How can we help you?