USPS Lets Heavier Mail Fly With Simplified Rates
Published Date: 6/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 12, 2026, the USPS is shaking up mailing rules and prices for First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, and Periodicals. They’re ditching some old rate categories, simplifying pricing, and letting heavier Marketing Mail pieces fly up to 20-24 ounces. If you send mail, expect new prices and easier rules that could save you time and maybe some money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher Weight Limits for Marketing Mail Flats
As of July 12, 2026, USPS Marketing Mail flat-shaped pieces may weigh up to 20 ounces (and up to 24 ounces for carrier route flats). Also, a new Heavy Printed Matter (HPM) category is introduced for Marketing Mail parcels with a 15-pound weight limit.
Discounts Extended to Heavy Printed Matter
The Postal Service will extend the 5-digit Direct Container and SCF Pallet discounts to Heavy Printed Matter (HPM) Presorted and Carrier Route parcels. Nonpresorted HPM parcels are not eligible for these discounts.
New Barcode Quality Fee for Market Dominant Parcels
The USPS will implement a package barcode quality noncompliance fee for Market Dominant parcels (excluding Periodicals parcels and Heavy Printed Matter) that mirrors the existing fee for Competitive parcels. This fee applies when published barcode quality criteria are not met.
Bound Printed Matter Price Structure Change
The USPS is changing pricing for presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats and parcels by eliminating pound-based pricing and using piece prices that apply in weight increments from 1 to 15 pounds based on entry (None/Origin, DSCF, or DDU).
Restructure of Outside-County Periodicals Pricing
The USPS will simplify Outside County Periodicals pricing by eliminating bundle and container rates, expanding SCF Pallet and 5-digit/Direct Container discounts to include Periodicals, pricing nonmachinable flats the same as parcels, and eliminating ADC entry for Periodicals.
Removal of ADC/AADC Rate Categories
Starting July 12, 2026, the USPS will remove ADC/AADC rates for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, and Periodicals and replace them with 3-digit rates. Labels like "Mixed ADC", "Mixed AADC", and "Mixed NDC" will be renamed simply "Mixed."
Combine First-Class Cards and Letters for Presort
Beginning July 12, 2026, First-Class Mail cards and letters presented together can qualify for presort pricing if the combined mailing totals 500 or more pieces. The pieces must be presented at the same time and on the same postage statement.
No Bundling for Marketing Mail Flats in Flat Trays
Effective July 12, 2026, USPS is eliminating bundling for Marketing Mail automation and nonautomation flats prepared in flat trays. Mailers must follow tray preparation standards without bundling for these flat-tray mailings.
2027 Promotions and Two New Discounts
The Postal Service published a 2027 Promotions Calendar offering postage discounts for mailers who apply treatments or integrate technology into mail campaigns, and it added two new promotions named Impact Messaging and Direct Mail Discovery.
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Key Dates
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