How Many Stamps Do I Need to Ship a Package in 2024?
Wondering if you can use stamps for sending packages and how many you‘ll need? With USPS shipping over 7.3 billion packages in 2021, this is a common question. This definitive guide explains everything you need to know about using stamps for package postage.
Current USPS Shipping Rates
As of January 2023, here are the published USPS shipping rates for common package services:
| Service | 1 Pound Rate | 2 Pound Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | $26.95 | $41.50 |
| Priority Mail | $9.95 | $14.35 |
| First Class Package | $4.95 | $5.34 |
| Media Mail | $3.29 | $3.89 |
Rates increase incrementally up to 70 pound packages.
Can You Use Stamps on Packages?
Yes, stamps can legally be used to pay postage for package mailings brought directly to the post office.
However, there are a few reasons why printed shipping labels may be a better choice:
- Pre-verification not needed – Packages over 13 oz. with only stamps require retail staff to verify contents before acceptance. This takes extra time.
- Exact postage – Miscalculating stamps leads to delayed delivery or wasted money. Printing labels ensures accurate rates.
- Free package pickup – With printed labels, USPS will pick up packages for free without a post office trip.
Still, stamps offer more flexibility. The next sections show exactly how many you need.
Stamps Required for Priority Mail Packages
Let‘s break down the number of Forever Stamps needed to mail common Priority Mail packages.
| Package Type | Actual Rate | Stamps Needed | Stamp Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Flat-Rate Box | $9.95 | 17 | $10.11 |
| Medium Flat-Rate Box | $16.10 | 28 | $16.64 |
| Large Flat-Rate Box | $21.50 | 37 | $21.31 |
| 1 lb Package | $9.95 | 17 | $10.11 |
| 2 lb Package | $14.35 | 25 | $14.50 |
As shown, you‘ll spend $0.16 to $0.85 extra by using Forever Stamps for Priority Mail. Specialized Priority stamps with exact rates are also available.
Stamps Needed for Media Mail Packages
For the budget-friendly Media Mail service, here‘s the Forever Stamp amounts required:
| Package Weight | Rate | Stamps Required | Total Stamp Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | $3.29 | 6 | $3.48 |
| 2 lbs | $3.89 | 7 | $4.06 |
| 3 lbs | $4.04 | 7 | $4.06 |
You‘ll spend an extra $0.19 to $0.47 on postage using Forever Stamps for Media Mail packages.
Tips for Calculating Postage
To save time and money, I recommend weighing packages, then printing labels with exact calculated rates. But if using stamps:
- Refer to USPS rate charts to identify correct postage values
- Round up stamp quantities to nearest dollar
- Present packages and stamps at post office desk for verification
Following these tips eliminates any shipping delays or unnecessary fees.
I hope this thorough guide has helped determine how many stamps you need to mail packages using USPS in 2024! Let me know if you have any other questions.
