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USPS 2025 Rate Changes: What Direct Mail Marketers Need to Know

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced new postage rate increases set to take effect on July 13, 2025. For direct mail marketers, even modest increases in postage rates can significantly impact campaign ROI and overall mailing strategies.

Staying ahead of these changes—and adapting your workflow to minimize the impact—is essential to maintaining cost-effective campaigns in 2025.

What’s Changing with USPS Rates

The upcoming rate adjustments will affect several mail classes, including:

  • First-Class Mail:

    • Forever Stamp: Increasing from $0.73 to $0.78
    • Metered Letter (1 oz): Increasing from $0.69 to $0.74
    • Postcards: Increasing from $0.56 to $0.62
    • Flats (1 oz): Increasing from $1.50 to $1.65
      (Source)

  • Marketing Mail:

    • Average increase across the Marketing Mail class: 7.385%
    • Actual rates vary depending on format, sortation, and entry level
      (Source)

These adjustments are part of the USPS’s ongoing "Delivering for America" plan to maintain service levels while addressing financial sustainability.

Why This Matters for Marketers

Direct mail remains one of the most effective channels for reaching customers—but it’s only effective if it’s profitable. Rising postage costs mean marketers must work smarter:

  • Precision Targeting: Focus on high-performing segments rather than blanket mailings.
  • Data Accuracy: Eliminate undeliverable addresses to avoid wasted postage.
  • Automation: Leverage automation to reduce labor and processing costs.
  • USPS Discounts: Take advantage of programs like USPS Informed Delivery and automation discounts through proper barcode and addressing formats.

How Kirk-Rudy Helps Keep Costs Down

Kirk-Rudy systems are designed to help you maximize USPS discounts and optimize throughput. With our addressing and inkjet printing solutions, you can ensure:

  • Accurate Addressing: Clean, scannable barcodes that meet USPS automation standards.
  • High-Speed Production: Keep up with tight campaign schedules without sacrificing quality.
  • Seamless Sorting: Combine with tabbing, inserting, or stacking systems to streamline your mailing line.

Our technology helps direct mail operations stay competitive, even in the face of rising postage costs.

Stay Competitive in a Changing Mail Economy

USPS rate changes aren’t going away—but with the right technology, you don’t have to lose your edge. Kirk-Rudy gives you the tools to create efficient, automated, and cost-conscious direct mail campaigns that deliver results.

Need help navigating rate changes?
Let’s talk about how Kirk-Rudy can support your next campaign.

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