Do USPS Employees Get Discounts in 2024? A Deep Dive into the Perks and Savings
Employees of the United States Postal Service undoubtedly work hard for their paychecks, facing weather extremes and long hours. But do postal workers get discounts on shipping, stamps, gym memberships, rental cars, tuition, or other perks?
As a USPS employee for over 5 years myself, I‘ve learned the ins and outs of the discounts and benefits offered to postal workers. Here‘s a detailed look at what USPS employees can save money on in 2024.
Discounts on Shipping, Stamps, and Services
Let‘s start with the question most consumers wonder – do postal workers get free or discounted shipping and stamps?
The short answer is no. USPS employees must pay the same published rates for stamps, shipping, and services as regular customers. There are no special discounts for workers.
This table shows the current 2023 USPS prices that employees must pay:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Forever Stamp | 60 cents |
| Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box | $9.65 |
| Certified Mail | $4.10 |
| Return Receipt | $3.10 |
Without employee discounts on services, we pay the same rates as anyone else for shipping holiday presents or buying booklets of stamps. Of course, we do get first dibs on new stamp releases before they sell out!
Discounted Gym Memberships
While they can‘t save on stamps, USPS employees get solid discounts on gym access through a partnership with 24 Hour Fitness.
The specific savings depend on membership level:
- All Club Sport: Reduced from $44.99/month to $35.99/month
- All Club Super Sport: Reduced from $54.99/month to $45.99/month
- All Club Ultra Sport: Reduced from $99.99/month to $83.99/month
That equals savings of $16-20 per month for postal workers trying to stay active and fit. With fitness center memberships averaging $58 per month nationally, this is a substantial benefit.
Large Discounts on Car Rentals
USPS employees traveling for work or pleasure can save up to 25% on car rentals through partnerships with rental agencies:
- Avis Car Rental
- Budget Car Rental
- Hertz Car Rental
So while a typical family might pay $50 per day for a rental car, USPS workers could pay just $37.50. Over a week-long rental, that‘s savings of $75!
The discounts depend on the rental location, dates, and vehicle type. But in general, employees save 10-25% off the best publicly available rental prices.
Discounted Tuition Programs
One of the most valuable benefits for USPS employees pursuing higher education is discounted tuition at partner colleges and universities.
Employees and family members can save 10-25% on undergraduate and graduate degree programs through schools like:
- Purdue University Global: 20% off undergraduate, 14% off graduate programs
- DeVry University: 25% off tuition
- Liberty University: 15% off online programs
That equals big savings every year on the cost of earning a degree. For example, if an online MBA costs $40,000 total, a postal employee could save $5,600 off tuition.
Cheaper Cell Phone Plans
Finally, USPS workers can save on their monthly cell phone plans through the PostalEASE program.
Special USPS employee discounts are available from major carriers like:
- AT&T: Up to 22% off eligible plans
- Verizon: 22% discount on unlimited plans
- T-Mobile: Up to 17% off cell plans
So a $60/month individual unlimited plan from Verizon would cost a postal worker only $46.80 per month. That‘s daily convenience savings they can enjoy.
The Value of USPS Retirement Benefits
While the lack of shipping and stamp discounts is disappointing to some employees, USPS retirement benefits help make up for it.
After 20 years of service, USPS employees are eligible for federal retirement, including a pension and retiree health plans.
The value of the pension and health benefits over a 30+ year retirement is well over $500,000 for many career employees.
For mail carriers, clerks, and others in physically demanding jobs, this retirement security makes the USPS benefits package shine.
Are the Discounts Enough? Depends on the Job
For higher paid positions like Postmaster and management roles, the USPS discounts and benefits are quite generous. But for lower end jobs, the lack of free shipping and stamps is a bigger loss.
The average mail carrier makes only $41,000 per year in base pay. Without additional discounts, that pay may not seem competitive enough for such a demanding job.
However, the discounts on phone plans, car rentals, gym access, and tuition can add up. For a mail carrier taking 1-2 college classes per year and renting cars for vacation, the discounts could save $2,000 per year easily.
So while USPS should consider adding shipping and postage discounts for employees, the current benefits are substantial for those that use them.
Key Takeaways
In summary, here are the key points on discounts for USPS employees:
- No free or discounted shipping, postage, or services
- Savings of up to $240 per year on gym memberships
- Up to 25% off rental cars from major agencies
- 10-25% off college tuition from partner schools
- Discounted cell phone plans with AT&T, Verizon, and others
- Retirement pension and health benefits after 20 years
The lack of postage discounts is an opportunity for USPS to improve. But for workers taking advantage of the other perks, the benefits package can pay off nicely.
