What is metered mail? 10 benefits for businesses

Key takeaways

• Metered mail uses a printed postage mark instead of individual postage stamps.

• A connected meter weighs mail, calculates and prints postage, and receives automatic rate updates.

• Compare potential savings with rental or lease costs, supplies, maintenance, and provider fees.

How does metered mail work?

A postage meter weighs the mailpiece, calculates the postage for the selected USPS service, and prints the indicium directly on the mailpiece or meter tape.

The USPS regulates postage meters, and businesses must rent or lease them from an authorized provider.

To prepare metered mail:

• Place the mailpiece on the meter’s scale.

• Select the appropriate USPS service.

• If prompted, enter the destination ZIP Code.

• The meter calculates and prints the postage.

What are the top 10 benefits of metered mail?

The main benefits include lower postage costs, faster mail preparation, accurate postage, better spending control, and support for growing mail volumes.

1. Save on postage

As of July 12, 2026, a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter costs $0.82 with a stamp and $0.78 at the metered rate. For a business sending 500 qualifying letters per month, this amounts to approximately $240 in annual postage cost savings.

2. Save processing time

By weighing mail, calculating the postage amount, and printing it in a single workflow, a postage meter eliminates the need to purchase and apply individual stamps.

3. Avoid trips to the Post Office to buy stamps

Businesses can add postage funds through a connected meter or their provider account.

4. Apply accurate postage

A built-in or connected scale calculates the postage, helping prevent overpayment, underpayment, and mail being returned for insufficient postage.

5. Keep postage rates current

Connected postage meters receive automatic rate updates when USPS prices change.

6. Control postage use

Depending on the model, user permissions can prevent unauthorized use and help control postage spending.

7. Track mailing expenses

Some postage meters can add a return address, logo, promotional message, or other approved branding element to outgoing mail.

8. Strengthen business branding

Some postage meters can add a return address, logo, promotional message, or other approved branding elements to outgoing mail.

9. Handle different mail formats

For large envelopes, thick mailpieces, tubes, and eligible parcels that cannot pass through the meter, users can print postage on meter tape or a compatible label.

10. Scale mailing operations

As mail volume grows, businesses can use higher-capacity meters with faster processing, automatic feeding, and envelope sealing.

What can you send with metered postage?

Metered postage can be used for postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats), and many packages, including Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express items. USPS size, weight, and content restrictions still apply.

How do you choose a postage meter?

Choose a postage meter based on your mail volume, mailpiece types, required features, and total cost.

• Mail volume and speed: Estimate your monthly mail volume and required processing speed.

• Mailpiece types: Identify whether you send letters, flats, packages, or mixed formats.

• Features: Compare weighing, feeding, sealing, reporting, and access controls.

• Total cost: Review rental, supplies, maintenance, fees, and contract terms.

Conclusion

Metered mail can help businesses save time, apply accurate postage, and control mailing expenses. Before selecting a meter, compare the potential postage and labor savings with rental or lease costs, supplies, maintenance, and provider fees.

Explore Quadient postage meters to find a mailing solution that fits your mail volume, workflow, and budget.