US Postage Savings: Slash Your Postage Costs in Half

There are a number of variables that determine the ultimate cost of any item you mail through the US Postal Service. The speed at which you desire ultimate delivery is important but so are the weight, content and size of the item. These variables create confusion over its ultimate cost. As a result, it's easy to overpay or miss out on significant savings. I've observed three specific actions that can be taken to cut mailing costs.

Tip # 1: Size Matters

Have you ever received a greeting card with postage due? Many of the more expensive cards are bigger and exceed the postal service guidelines for first class letters which is no more than 6 1/8 inches high and 11 ½ inches in length. The weight for a first class letter can be up to 3 ½ ounces which usually isn't a problem unless you're including heavier items such as coins. It also can't be more than ¼ inch thick. If the length/height, thickness and/or weight exceed the maximum, it is no longer considered a letter for postage calculation purposes. It's deemed to be a flat.

A flat is still considered first class mail as long as it doesn't exceed ¾ of an inch thick and the envelope doesn't exceed 12 inches by 15 inches long. However, a flat costs one heck of a lot more to send than a first class letter at the same weight. If you exceed the flat maximums you move into priority mail or parcel post rate territory.

The difference in rates for a letter vs. a flat is dramatic. For example, a regular letter below one ounce costs 41 cents but a flat with the same weight costs 80 cents. Almost double the price! A two ounce letter costs 58 cents while a flat is 97 cents. You get the idea. A letter costs a lot less.

Here is where the savings come in. A 9 inch by 12 inch envelope is commonly used to send multiple letter sized pieces of paper. Because of the size it's considered a flat. If the paper is folded in half and placed in a 6 x 9 inch envelope the weight doesn't change but now it's judged to be a letter at the much lower price. A little knowledge goes a long way towards saving money.

Tip # 2: Content Matters