A second notable postage rate increase is on the horizon. Effective July 14, 2024, the cost of a "Forever" stamp will rise to 73 cents, up from the current 68 cents. This five-cent increment follows the earlier increase in January and highlights a trend that businesses and consumers need to be prepared for.
The upcoming rate increase marks the second time in 2024 that the US Postal Service (USPS) has raised the cost of postage. This consistent upward adjustment, with changes occurring twice yearly, Here’s the full breakdown of the upcoming increases for standard mail:
Whether you are a small business owner, a large corporation, or an individual managing personal mail, the financial impact of these increases can be significant. Businesses, in particular, must consider these additional costs in their budgeting and operational strategies. Stocking up on Forever stamps before the increase is a short-term solution, but a more sustainable approach involves leveraging technology and services that offer long-term savings.
Amidst these challenges, Pitney Bowes stands out as a steadfast ally. Known for its innovative mailing and shipping solutions, our partner Pitney Bowes offers a range of postage meters that can help businesses mitigate the effects of rising postage costs. The SendPro® series of automatic postage meters are designed to provide efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings, making them an invaluable tool for any business handling significant volumes of mail.
Metered mail refers to the use of a postage meter to print postage directly onto mail pieces, eliminating the need for individual stamps. This method offers several advantages over buying stamps and manually applying them to your envelopes.
Time Savings: Businesses can save time otherwise spent on trips to the post office.
Cost Efficiency: Metered mail offers discounts that are not available at the post office, making it a cost-effective alternative.
Accuracy: Postage meters ensure precise postage calculation based on weight, size, and destination, reducing the risk of overpayment or penalties for underpayment.
Pitney Bowes has been a trusted partner of the USPS for over a century, offering solutions that are reliable and compliant with postal regulations. The SendPro® postage meters automate the entire postage process, from calculation to application, significantly reducing manual errors and saving valuable time.
Automatic Updates: SendPro® postage meters automatically update shipping rates, ensuring compliance with the latest USPS changes.
Cost Savings: Users can save 3 cents on every First-Class letter sent, which can add up to substantial savings over time.
USPS IMI Compliance: With the USPS introducing IMI compliance in 2024, Pitney Bowes' devices are already equipped to meet these new standards, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding future disruptions.
As we approach the second postage rate increase of 2024, it is crucial for businesses to adapt and find solutions that offer both immediate and long-term benefits. Pitney Bowes postage meters represent a strategic investment, combining time efficiency, accurate postage calculation, and cost savings. In an environment where every penny and minute matter, partnering with Pitney Bowes can provide the stability and support needed to navigate postal rate fluctuations effectively.
For more information on how Pitney Bowes postage meters can help your business stay ahead of postage rate increases, visit our website.