Commercial Base Pricing (CBP) from the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides discounted postage rates for online shipping. It's a practical option for businesses looking to reduce shipping costs while maintaining reliability.

Read on to learn about CBP and some of the USPS mail classes it's available for.

The USPS introduced CBP discounts to shippers who use scannable postage markings and electronically transmit package data to the US Postal Service. This online solution saves the postal service time and money, which is returned to users as a shipping discount.

CBP rates are lower than retail rates available at local post offices and are applicable to items weighing less than 70 lbs. CBP is available to various mail classes, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package International Service, and more. For a comprehensive list, refer to the USPS website.

To qualify for CBP rates, businesses must use an approved online shipping platform, such as USPS.com. Businesses utilizing digital mailing systems like postage meters and permit imprints can also take advantage of these commercial rates. CBP rates are based on the volume of packages shipped, so the more packages a business ships, the greater the discount they receive.

Online shipping platforms with CBP rates often offer extra services to help businesses streamline shipping, including package tracking, address verification, and discounted shipping supplies.

Priority Mail Services is a fast and reliable shipping option that qualifies for CBP rates. It offers delivery in 1-3 business days, depending on the destination, and comes with a range of delivery options and features.

Delivery options:

• Priority Mail Express: Guaranteed overnight delivery to most US destinations
• Priority Mail: Delivery in 1-3 business days to most US destinations
• Priority Mail International: Delivery in 6-10 business days to most international destinations

Types of Priority Mail packages:

• Flat Rate Envelopes are available in various sizes and can be mailed for a flat fee regardless of weight or destination
• Flat Rate Boxes are available in various sizes and can be mailed for a flat fee regardless of weight or destination
• Regional Rate Boxes are available in two sizes and can be mailed for a flat fee based on the distance between the origin and destination

Features and benefits:

• Free Package pickup at your home or office
• Free USPS tracking
• Insurance ($50)
• Free boxes and envelopes are available at your local post office or online

How to calculate Priority Mail rates:

Priority Mail rates are based on the weight, size, and destination of the package. You can calculate Priority Mail rates using the USPS online calculator or by using a shipping platform such as USPS.com.

Additional costs:

• Delivery confirmation: This optional service provides proof of delivery and costs an additional fee
• Signature confirmation: This optional service requires a signature upon delivery and costs an additional fee
• Insurance: Additional insurance coverage can be purchased for Priority Mail packages with a value over $50
• Oversized packages: Packages that exceed the maximum size or weight limits may incur additional fees

USPS Priority Mail Express Services is a premium shipping option that qualifies for CBP rates. It offers guaranteed overnight delivery to most US locations and comes with a range of delivery options and features.

Delivery options:

• Priority Mail Express: Guarantees overnight delivery to most US destinations
• Priority Mail Express International: Guarantees delivery in 3-5 business days to most international destinations

Features and benefits:

• Guaranteed delivery
• Free package pickup at your home or office
• Free USPS tracking
• Insurance ($100)
• Free envelopes and boxes are available at your local post office or online

How to calculate Priority Mail Express rates:

Priority Mail Express rates are based on the weight, size, and destination of the package. You can calculate Priority Mail Express rates using the USPS online calculator or by using a shipping platform such as USPS.com.

Priority Mail Express rates are typically higher than Priority Mail rates due to the guaranteed overnight delivery and additional features and benefits.

It's important to note that some additional fees may apply for certain Priority Mail Express services, such as Saturday delivery or delivery to a rural location.

First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) is a cost-effective shipping option for international packages with a maximum weight of 4 pounds that qualifies for CBP rates. FCPIS offers delivery in 7-21 business days to most international locations and comes with a range of features and benefits.

Features and benefits:

• Affordable rates
• Delivery confirmation
• Free USPS tracking
• Insurance ($100) 
• Customs forms are available online or at your local post office

How to calculate FCPIS rates:

First-Class Package International Service rates are based on the weight, size, and destination of the package. You can calculate FCPIS rates using the USPS online calculator or by using a shipping platform such as USPS.com.

Additional fees may apply for certain FCPIS services, such as additional insurance coverage or signature confirmation. It's important to note that FCPIS packages are subject to customs clearance, which can cause delays in delivery time.

For high-volume shippers, Commercial Base Pricing is an opportunity to save on postage and streamline processes. Additionally, it offers shipping services like package tracking and free pickup and supplies. Let CBP be your North Star, leading you to a destination of reliable and affordable shipping solutions.