
The United States Post Office has a variety of pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. The cost of mailing a letter depends on the weight and size of the envelope, as well as the distance it's being sent.
Domestic first-class mail is the most common type of mail, and it starts at a cost of $0.55 for a standard letter weighing up to 1 oz. The cost increases for heavier or larger envelopes.
USPS also offers a Media Mail service, which is a cost-effective option for sending books, CDs, and other media items. This service starts at a cost of $3.19 for a package weighing up to 1 lb.
For international mail, the cost is higher, with a starting price of $1.20 for a standard letter weighing up to 1 oz.
USPS Pricing
The United States Post Office offers a variety of pricing options for mail and packages. The prices for domestic services range from $0.73 for First-Class Mail to $75.15 for Large Flat Rate Boxes.
You can save money by using commercial pricing, which is available for Priority Mail Express services. Commercial pricing can be as low as $27.20 for Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes.
The prices for international services vary depending on the destination and the type of service. For example, Priority Mail Express International costs from $61.60 at the Post Office to $57.32 for Commercial Base.
Here's a breakdown of the prices for some common international services:
The U.S. Postal Service updates its pricing every year, and you can save time and money by using a shipping software that allows you to rate shop and compare pricing. According to the USPS, you can save 42% on Priority Mail costs by using a shipping software.
If you're looking to save even more, consider using presort pricing with Impress. This can help you access postage discounts and save money on your mailings.
First-Class Mail
First-Class Mail is a cost-effective shipping option for lightweight products, with a delivery speed of 1-3 days. It's perfect for growing ecommerce businesses.

For First-Class Mail, you pay $0.55 for each envelope, regardless of the distance it travels. This makes it a great option for businesses that need to send mail to various locations.
The price for First-Class Mail letters varies depending on their weight, with the following rates:
You can also use First-Class Mail for postcards, which cost $0.56, and large envelopes (flats) up to 13 oz., with rates ranging from $1.77 to $4.91.
First-Class
First-Class Mail is a popular option for lightweight products, offering a cost-effective shipping solution with a delivery speed of 1-3 days.
You can send First-Class Mail letters up to 3.5 oz. and flats up to 13 oz. The rates for First-Class Mail letters are as follows:
The cost of First-Class Mail is $0.55 for each envelope, regardless of the distance it travels. You can also add extra services like Registered Mail and Certified Mail for an additional fee.
Postcard

The postcard is a unique and nostalgic way to send a message. It's a rectangular piece of paper with a picture or design on one side and space for writing on the other.
Postcards are typically 3.5 x 5.5 inches in size and weigh between 1 and 2 ounces. They're a great way to send a brief message or share a special moment with someone.
You can write a message on a postcard using a pen or pencil, and some even have a pre-printed message or design. Postcards are often used to share a scenic view or a special memory.
The cost of sending a postcard is relatively low, typically just a few cents. This makes it an affordable way to send a message to someone.
Postcards can be sent through First-Class Mail, which is a fast and reliable way to send mail. They're often sent to tourists or travelers as a way to send a message back home.
Certified Mail

Using Certified Mail can be a convenient option for sending important documents, but it can also be pricey. The cost of a hard copy Certified Mail is $4.85.
You can save money by using an electronic solution like ConnectSuite e-Certify, which eliminates the need for a paper Return Receipt. This can save you $1.48 on every Certified Mail piece.
The cost of a Return Receipt is $4.10 for a hard copy, but only $2.62 for an electronic one. This represents a savings of $1.48.
Here's a comparison of the costs:
Overall, using electronic solutions like e-Certify can save you nearly 36% on all Certified Mail costs.
Pricing Options
Domestic prices vary depending on the service you choose. You can get a Priority Mail Express package from $31.40 at the Post Office or $27.20 for Commercial Pricing.
For commercial customers, there are different pricing tiers, including Commercial Base and Commercial Plus. For example, Priority Mail Express International costs $57.32 for Commercial Base and $57.32 for Commercial Plus.

If you're a commercial customer with a Quadient meter and shipping software, you can get discounts on Priority Mail Flat Rate services. For instance, the Regular Flat Rate Envelope costs $8.75 with a Quadient meter, saving you $1.35.
Some services have varying prices, such as Bound Printed Matter and Periodicals. You'll need to check the Post Office's website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
You can also use the Impress service to access postage discounts with presort prices. This is especially useful for businesses with high mail volumes.
Here's a breakdown of the prices for Priority Mail Flat Rate services:
Weight-Based Pricing
Weight-Based Pricing is a common method used by the United States Post Office to calculate shipping costs. This pricing system takes into account the weight of the package being sent.
The USPS provides weight charts to help you determine the cost of shipping based on the weight of your package. These charts are available for various services, including First Class and Priority Mail.

You can save up to 42% on Priority Mail costs by using a shipping software that allows you to rate shop and compare pricing. This can be a great way to reduce your shipping expenses.
The USPS updates its mailing and shipping pricing every year, so it's essential to stay informed about any changes. You can check the USPS Mailing and Shipping Blog for updates on the latest rate changes.
Here is a breakdown of the weight-based pricing for First Class shipping:
The prices for First Class shipping vary depending on the zone you're shipping to. For example, shipping a 1 oz package to Zone 1 costs $4.50, while shipping the same package to Zone 9 costs $5.00.
Priority Mail shipping rates also vary based on weight and zone. For example, shipping a 1 lb. package to Zones 1 or 2 costs $8.70, while shipping the same package to Zone 9 costs $364.85.
It's worth noting that the USPS has a weight limit for Priority Mail packages, which is 70 lbs. If your package exceeds this weight, you'll need to choose a different shipping service.
Overall, understanding weight-based pricing can help you save money on shipping costs and make informed decisions about which shipping service to use.
Alternative Cost Calculations
If you're not a fan of charts, there's still hope. You can use online calculators to compare USPS shipping fees with those of other couriers, making it easier to find the best option for your mail.
These online calculators will let you compare prices, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
You can also visit your local post office and ask the staff to price the package for you. They can help you find the best option for your mail by giving you different prices according to shipping time and method.
The Flat Rate option is a great choice if you want to keep things simple. This allows you to use one of the free, pre-sized boxes to mail your items in, and one of these boxes will always cost the same amount to ship (provided you are under 70 lb.).
The USPS postage calculator is another great tool to get a shipping estimate. It's quick and easy to use, and it will give you a shipping estimate in just 5 simple steps.
Here are the 5 simple steps to use the USPS postage calculator:
- Package your item
- Measure your final packaged item (L x W x H inches)
- Weigh your package (lbs)
- Enter the dimensions, weight and destination into the USPS postage calculator
- Compare USPS postage rates to other carriers and book your service
Most Cost-Effective

If you're looking to save some cash on shipping, Priority Mail is the way to go. It's a day or two slower than Priority Express Mail, but it's also significantly cheaper.
You can get an idea of the cost savings by using online calculators, which can compare USPS shipping fees with those of other couriers. Alternatively, visit your local post office and ask them to price the package for you.
Priority Mail is a great default shipping option when shipping through USPS. In fact, with a multicarrier shipping software, like S.M.A.R.T. Essential, you can save up to 42% on Priority Mail costs.
Here are some benefits of using a multicarrier shipping software:
- Get discounted Commercial rates
- 24/7 real-time package tracking at your fingertips!
- Rate shop to choose the best cost and delivery options
You can also opt for the Flat Rate option, which allows you to use one of the free, pre-sized boxes to mail your items in. This will always cost the same amount to ship, provided you're under 70 lb.
USPS Services
The USPS offers a range of services to help you manage your mailings and adapt to rate changes. Shipping rates for the USPS have increased, effective January 19, 2025.
If you're looking to send packages, you have a few options. Package Services and USPS Retail Ground packages don't receive expedited service, and these services don't include free forwarding and return. USPS Retail Ground is mainly intended for single-piece mailings, which include any packages that aren't required to be mailed as First-Class Mail and include USPS Tracking at no additional charge.
The USPS divides mail into six different services called classes. Each mail class has different service levels, postage prices, and pre-sort requirements. Here are the six classes of USPS mail:
- Priority Mail Express (the fastest shipping option)
- Priority Mail
- First-Class Mail
- USPS Marketing Mail
- Periodicals
- Package Services/USPS Retail Ground
USPS Services
The USPS offers a range of services to fit different shipping needs. The USPS divides mail into six different services called classes, each with its own service levels, postage prices, and pre-sort requirements.
For most shipments, the content of the material and postage will determine the class of mail you select. You can use the following classes for your mailings:
- Priority Mail Express (the fastest shipping option)
- Priority Mail
- First-Class Mail
- USPS Marketing Mail
- Periodicals
- Package Services/USPS Retail Ground
USPS Retail Ground is mainly intended for single-piece mailings, which consist of any packages that aren’t required to be mailed as First-Class Mail and include USPS Tracking at no additional charge.
Why Book with Parcel Monkey?
Booking with Parcel Monkey offers the same level of service as booking directly with the Post Office, but at a lower cost. This is because you'll be able to take advantage of lower rates by using their shipping calculator.
You'll still get to enjoy the convenience of booking online, which is a huge time-saver. Plus, you can drop off your package at your local Post Office, making the process even more streamlined.
By choosing Parcel Monkey, you can save money without sacrificing any of the benefits of using the Post Office.
Marketing and Ecommerce

The United States Post Office has been a vital part of the country's infrastructure for over two centuries.
In recent years, the Post Office has faced significant challenges in the realm of marketing and ecommerce. The rise of online shopping has led to a decline in mail volume, resulting in a significant loss of revenue.
To adapt to this new reality, the Post Office has shifted its focus towards providing more services to online retailers. This includes offering discounted rates for packages sent through its network.
One notable example is the Post Office's partnership with Amazon, which has helped to increase package delivery volumes. In 2020, the Post Office handled over 1 billion Amazon packages, accounting for nearly 40% of its total package delivery volume.
The Post Office has also invested heavily in its ecommerce platform, allowing online retailers to easily print shipping labels and track packages. This has made it easier for businesses to integrate their online sales with the Post Office's delivery network.

As a result, the Post Office has been able to maintain its revenue despite the decline in mail volume. In fact, package delivery revenue has increased by over 10% in recent years.
By leveraging its existing infrastructure and adapting to the changing needs of online retailers, the Post Office has been able to remain a vital part of the country's ecommerce ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is priority Mail from the US Post Office?
Priority Mail from the US Post Office starts at $9.35. Get more shipping details and options at a Post Office or online.
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