The following is Part 1 of a two-part series on 2017 postal rate changes. New rates go into effect on January 22.

Hold on to your hats—postal rates are changing again.

Last April, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when rates dropped for the first time in decades, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately for mailers, lower postal rates are no exception.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key changes:

• Standard Mail will become USPS Marketing Mail. The transition will occur over an 18-month period and is designed to both encourage marketers who aren’t mailing, and to better communicate how this mail class is used. It’s worth noting that the Standard Mail indicia and postage markings should be used on mail pieces until at least January 2018.

• USPS Marketing Mail rates will increase an overall average of 0.9%, with Letter rates increasing an average of 2.1%, Flat rates increasing an average of 2.5%, and Carrier Route Letters, Flats, and Parcels rates decreasing 3.1%. (For a more in-depth review of all the rate changes, click here.)

• 3-Digit presort pricing will be combined with the Automated Area Distribution Center (AADC) category. The change will occur for both First-Class Automation Letters and Postcards, as well as for Marketing Mail Automation Letters. The category will be labeled AADC and pieces will no longer be sorted to the 3-Digit level.

• The weight break for USPS Marketing Mail will increase from 3.3 ounces to 4.0 ounces. This includes Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Flats, nonautomation Letters, and nonmachinable Letters, whereas the maximum weight for nonautomation machinable Letters increases from 3.3 ounces to 3.5 ounces. (Meaning that marketers can add additional components to a direct mail package or use a heavier, higher quality stock to increase the perceived value of the piece.)

Mind you, these are just a few of the changes, but they’re important ones. Read Part 2 of this series for tips on weathering the changes and saving money on postage.

Other Helpful Links from the USPS:

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/3456

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/2243

About the author: Melanie (Gray) Williams is Creative Supervisor/Copywriter at Polaris Direct, a nationally acclaimed high-volume direct marketing services company in Hooksett, NH.