The United States Postal Service (USPS^®) periodically adjusts its shipping rates, which can impact your shipping costs. This blog post will break down the latest USPS rate changes and show you how ShippingEasy can help you navigate them seamlessly.

What are rate changes?

Shipping carriers like USPS periodically adjust their prices based on factors like fuel costs, inflation, and operational needs. These adjustments, often called rate changes or rate adjustments, help carriers stay competitive and meet their financial goals.

January 2025 rate changes

As of January 19, 2025, some key changes have been made by USPS to their shipping rates:

• Peak Demand Surcharge Ends: The temporary demand surcharges implemented for the holiday season have expired.
• USPS Rate Adjustments: See how these USPS implemented changes will impact your shipping rates compared to Commercial Rates.
  • Ground Advantage: Overall, rates decreased by about 0.5%, with savings of up to $3.03 and discounts of up to 21.3% off Commercial Rates. However, some packages under one pound saw a slight increase of about 1.3%.
  • Ground Advantage Cubic: Prices dropped by about 1.2%, offering savings of up to $1.69 and discounts of up to 20.5% off Commercial Rates.
  • Priority Mail®: This service had the largest decrease, down about 5.7%, with some rates decreasing as much as $10.50 and discounts of up to 24.6% off Commercial Rates.
  • Priority Mail® Flats Rate: Rates decreased by about 1.7%, with savings of up to $1.30 in some areas and discounts of up to 5.4% off Commercial Rates.
  • Priority Mail Cubic®: Prices went down by about 3.4%, offering savings of up to $4.88 in some areas and discounts of up to 19.1% off Commercial Rates.
• USPS Rural ZIP Code Changes: In September 2024, USPS designated a specific list of rural ZIP Codes. The updated list, as of January 19, 2025, now reflects 12 fewer rural ZIP Codes than before, with some being removed and others added. To find out if a specific ZIP Code is affected, contact our support team for help. 
• Retail and Commercial Price Changes: USPS has implemented changes to Retail and Commercial shipping rates. 

How we can help

We know keeping up with rate changes can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to make it easier for you!

• Stay Informed: We keep our blog updated with USPS changes and other industry news, so you’ll always be in the know.
• Discounted Rates: Enjoy significant savings of up to 89% off USPS shipping.
• Industry Expertise: We stay on top of trends like rate changes, demand surcharges, and dynamic pricing to keep you informed.
• Expert Support: Our dedicated support team is available to answer your questions and guide you through any challenges related to USPS rate changes.

By utilizing our software, you can navigate USPS rate changes with confidence and help make your shipping operations run smoothly. For more information, check out our Help Center. 

The post USPS 2025 Shipping and Service Changes appeared first on ShippingEasy.

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, GlobalPost has resumed full service to Canada, including P.O. Boxes and previously restricted postal codes, and is now accepting mail and packages again for these destinations. 

Please note that due to the service interruption and the accumulated backlog from the CUPW strike, shipments to previously restricted postal codes may face delays.

1/3/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, USPS will resume full service to Canada and begin accepting mail and packages again. Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, you can create and print USPS labels destined for Canada using your ShippingEasy account. Please note that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience delays.

12-17-24 Update

Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting new mail and parcels on December 19, 2024. At this time, there are no updates from USPS, or other disrupted carriers regarding Canada shipments. We’re closely monitoring and will share updates as available.

12-13-24 Update

“It is my view, and the view of the FMCS, that the parties are at an impasse,” said Canadian federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon in a statement earlier today. The Labour Minister is now sending the labor dispute between CUPW and Canada Post to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an effort to resume Canada Post operations and get striking CUPW workers back to work. The resolution of the strike now requires CIRB to agree with MacKinnon’s assertion that the negotiations are at a standstill.

What does this mean for shippers?

Despite recent movements, this situation is still ongoing. Canada Post customers still cannot ship or print labels at this time, and will not be able to do so until an official announcement has been made. 

What are the next steps?

If the CIRB agrees, MacKinnon says the Labour Relations Board will order Canada Post, and all employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, to resume operations and extend the terms of existing collective agreements until May 2025. 

Canada Post announced that they are reviewing the Minister’s announcement to prepare to participate as the situation progresses and comply with the directive. 
To stay updated on this developing story, check this blog or read the latest CUPW negotiation updates.

12/10/24 Update

Effective December 6, 2024, GlobalPost will temporarily pause delivery to Canadian P.O. Boxes and certain postal codes for U.S shipments to Canada due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Since GlobalPost’s network relies on Canada Post for final-mile delivery, service to these regions will be impacted until further notice. Please be aware that Global Post is not sending an error message when a customer prints a label to these postal codes. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through Global Post. 

For the list of postal codes that are affected, please reach out to our support team.

12/06/24 Update

On November 27, 2024, USPS announced a temporary suspension of all Canada-bound shipments, across all mail classes, effective November 29, 2024, in response to the ongoing CUPW strike.

This temporary service disruption affects:

• Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)
• Priority Mail International® (PMI) 
• First-Class Mail International® (FCMI)
• First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS)
• International Priority Airmail® (IPA)
• International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL)
• Commercial ePacket® (CeP)
• M-Bag® items

We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your shipments. Shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a variety of carriers with Canadian service to support you during this time.

As shipping volumes increase and other carriers take on more shipments, it’s important to keep in mind potential delays are possible and demand surcharges may be implemented. 

Regarding the CUPW strike, the situation is still evolving. On December 1st, Canada Post presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework in the hope of reaching negotiated agreements. ShippingEasy is devoted to sharing the latest information and helping you navigate disruption as we continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay informed by bookmarking this blog for quick and convenient access.

On November 15, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike, resulting in a complete shutdown of Canada Post operations. No mail or parcels will be processed or delivered for the duration of the strike. While negotiations are ongoing, there is no clear end date in sight. If you’re concerned about how this may affect your peak-season shipping plans, keep reading to learn more and prevent further delays. 

Who is impacted by the CUPW strike?

The strike notice is specific to Canada Post and affects all postage and parcels traveling through this carrier in urban, rural, and suburban areas around Canada. Packages already in transit through Canada Post will be delayed until the strike is resolved. Carriers using Canada Post for last-mile delivery are also impacted. P.O. Boxes and many rural areas will not be delivered to because Canada Post owns much of that responsibility.

What happens if I’ve already shipped a package to a P.O. Box or one of these postal codes?

During the CUPW strike, GlobalPost’s network will securely hold your package or mail and deliver it to its destination once the strike concludes.

Holiday season shipping disruptions

While both parties have expressed interest in resolving the dispute, there is currently no definite end to the strike at this time. Delays may continue even after the strike ends as Canada Post works to catch up with the backlog. As a result, your holiday shipping schedule may be  disrupted if proactive measures to avoid delays are not taken. 

I need to ship something before the holidays—what can I do?

Let’s say you run a T-shirt business and need to ship a batch of customized crew necks to a women’s chorus in Winnipeg ASAP. But, your go-to Canadian carrier is Canada Post. Thankfully, ShippingEasy allows you to connect to multiple  carriers that do not rely on Canada Post for last-mile delivery, offering competitive rates, so your shipment gets to the right place. For additional guidance, our support team is available to help customers navigate our carrier selection. 

Are there any price changes due to the strike?

At this time, shippers may see surcharges or fluctuating rates due to volume shift.

Where can I get updates on the CUPW strike?

The ShippingEasy support team is available to provide updated information as the situation evolves. For more updates, keep a close eye on Canada Post’s negotiations updates for the latest information.

The post How the CUPW strike affects your business appeared first on ShippingEasy.

This blog will give you the details on upcoming changes and ensure you’re always getting the best deals on your shipments.

September 2024 Rate Case

Effective September 16th, USPS is making changes to shipping rates that will affect some of your Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage packages. Depending on where you’re shipping, you may notice slightly higher prices. 

The good news? Even with these changes, your rates will continue to be better than what you would pay at the Post Office. Through ShippingEasy, you’ll enjoy up to 42% off USPS Priority Mail® and 49% off USPS Ground Advantage when shipping to these impacted ZIP Codes.

If you want to check if a specific ZIP code falls under the rate change please reach out to our customer support team.

For more information on the rate change please check our help center article.

Upcoming October 2024 rate change

In addition to the rate increases that take effect on September 16th, the USPS is also planning to temporarily increase rates starting October 6th to help cover the cost of shipping during the busy holiday season.

Make shipping easy

Despite changes, ShippingEasy continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89% through our partnership with USPS and other carriers. Our goal is to streamline your shipping operations, providing discounted rates for a seamless sending process.

Stay informed about the evolving shipping landscape, make data-driven decisions, and confidently navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments with ShippingEasy.

The post USPS 2024 Shipping and Service Changes appeared first on ShippingEasy.

Understanding this shift is essential for both businesses and consumers. As shipping grows more complex, knowing when to ship, how pricing works, and what tools you can count on can greatly affect your spending. Let’s look at how this change reflects our daily experiences and what it means for the future of shipping.

What is dynamic pricing in shipping?

You might not be familiar with the term “dynamic pricing,” but you’ve likely experienced it. For instance, think about how ticket prices fluctuate based on demand as a flight or concert date approaches. If you try to buy tickets one day, you might be surprised to find that the price has changed when you look again a few days later. 

Similarly, in the shipping world, rates can change in real-time based on factors like demand, capacity, and even the time of year. Understanding these shifts helps shippers plan ahead, securing better rates and avoiding those last-minute surprises.

Dynamic pricing in shipping refers to a flexible pricing model where shipping rates adjust based on various real-time factors. These can include demand, shipment volume, distance, fuel costs, and desired delivery speed. Unlike traditional fixed rates, dynamic shipping rates fluctuate to reflect current operational costs and market conditions, enabling carriers to optimize revenue and efficiency.

With this in mind, shipping companies are changing how they set prices. Instead of keeping prices the same for the majority of the year, they’re adjusting prices based on what’s happening in the market. This helps them stay competitive.

How dynamic shipping rates work for carriers

Dynamic shipping rates utilize automated rate calculation tools to adjust prices in real-time. Here’s how this process works:

• Real-Time Rate Adjustments: Carriers monitor various factors that can influence shipping costs. For instance, a sudden increase in demand during the holiday season may prompt carriers to raise rates temporarily.
• Distance and Package Size: The further a package needs to travel, or the larger its size, the higher the shipping cost may be. 
• Shipping Speed: Customers often pay more for expedited shipping. Dynamic pricing models enable carriers to adjust rates based on the speed of delivery requested, balancing demand with available capacity.

Dynamic pricing vs. traditional fixed rates: What’s the difference?

Traditional fixed rates offer predictability but can sometimes lead to inefficiencies, as customers might end up paying more than necessary for certain shipments. 

In contrast to fixed rates, dynamic pricing models:

• Offer Flexibility: Prices adjust according to real-time data, allowing customers to benefit from lower rates during off-peak times.
• Reflect Current Market Conditions: Customers receive prices that accurately represent the costs involved in shipping at any given moment.

The primary motivation for carriers to adopt dynamic pricing is competition. With numerous shipping options available, carriers must remain agile to attract customers. This flexibility enables them to offer competitive rates that reflect the current market situation, ensuring they don’t lose business to competitors.

Dynamic pricing also benefits customers, as carriers can adjust their pricing to pass on savings when demand is lower or operational efficiencies are realized. This approach promotes a healthier competition among carriers, ultimately providing more value to customers.

The future of dynamic pricing for shipping carriers

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, dynamic pricing is likely to become the norm for shipping carriers. The trend toward automated and flexible pricing structures will not only improve operational efficiencies but also enhance customer experience.

In the future, we can expect:

• Increased Automation: More sophisticated algorithms will enable carriers to fine-tune their pricing strategies rapidly.
• Enhanced Customer Tools: Customers will benefit from improved tools that help them navigate these changes and select the best shipping options for their needs.
• Greater Market Responsiveness: Carriers will continue to adapt their pricing in response to fluctuations in demand, ensuring they remain competitive and cost-effective.

How we help

At ShippingEasy, we understand that as shipping rates become more dynamic, staying informed can be challenging for businesses. We compare rates across carriers and services so you automatically get the best rate. You can even set up automation so that every time an order imports, you automatically get the best rate for your intended delivery window. This not only saves money, but also creates operational efficiency that cuts time and clicks when shipping.

 Here’s how we support our customers:

• Real-Time Access to Competitive Pricing: Our platform offers up-to-date shipping rates as carriers adjust them, ensuring you always get the best deals.
• Variety of Carrier Options: We provide discounted shipping rates across all the leading carriers, with rate shopping and automation tools to help you choose the best rates and services for your shipping needs.

At ShippingEasy, we’re committed to supporting you through these changes, making sure you stay informed and have the tools you need to help successfully ship. 

The post How Carriers Like FedEx, UPS, and USPS Are Turning to Dynamic Pricing appeared first on ShippingEasy.