Proposed 2018 Postage Rate Increase for Nonprofit Mailers

It’s the time of year that many of our clients are preparing their 2018 budgets. For mailers, this includes predictions on future postage rate modifications. While the commercial industry is projected to have a CPI increase typical of those in recent years, nonprofit mailers could see some of the highest rate increases ever experienced beginning next year.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) filed a price adjustment request with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), which will change the relationship between commercial and nonprofit mail. At the August MTAC Meeting, the USPS reconfirmed that they are planning on pursuing a balancing of rates, which will have substantial ramifications for nonprofit mailers.

The postal rate spike, which would go into effect on January 21, 2018, could mean increases between 3.3% to 6.9% for Nonprofit Marketing Mail. According to USPS, we should expect to see rates finalized between mid-September to mid-October.

We know how important it is to our clients to keep Nonprofit mail affordable! Production Solutions will be filing an opposition argument with the PRC against this proposal. To further support this effort, we are asking our partners to do the same. The PRC must receive your comments no later than September 18, so mail your letter by September 13 to ensure it arrives in time. There is also an option to submit your comments electronically.

The PS team understands that a significant portion of our clients’ budgets is spent on postage. Be sure to reach out to one of our postal experts to discuss how we can help you realize even greater postal savings and gain better understanding of this important topic.