The 2026–2027 USPS Mailing Guide
What Mailers Need to Know About New Weight Limits, Heavy Printed Matter, Incentives & 2027 Promotions
There’s a lot happening with USPS right now, and not all of it is about rate increases.
New Marketing Mail weight limits took effect in July, Heavy Printed Matter created a new option for much heavier pieces, and USPS has already released its lineup of promotions for 2027.
For mailers, that means there are some important changes worth knowing about now, especially if you’re planning a heavier catalog, publication, or direct mail campaign. Here’s what’s changed and what’s coming next.
USPS Marketing Mail Gets Heavier
One of the biggest changes is an increase in the allowable weight for certain USPS Marketing Mail pieces.
Beginning July 12, 2026:
USPS Marketing Mail automation and nonautomation flats: up to 20 oz.
USPS Marketing Mail Carrier Route flats: up to 24 oz.
Heavy Printed Matter (HPM): a new USPS Marketing Mail parcel category for qualifying commercial and nonprofit non-fulfillment pieces weighing up to 15 lbs.
USPS also extended 5-Digit/Direct Container and SCF Pallet discounts to Presorted and Carrier Route Heavy Printed Matter parcels. Nonpresorted HPM parcels are not eligible for these discounts.
Why does this matter? For mailers producing heavier catalogs and other printed pieces, these changes create additional options worth considering before a project enters production.
A piece that previously exceeded the Marketing Mail flat weight limit may now fit within the expanded flat limits or, depending on its specifications and eligibility, Heavy Printed Matter.
That makes it increasingly important to review weight, dimensions, format, quantity, and mailing requirements early in the planning process.
Heavy Printed Matter
Heavy Printed Matter is one of the most significant additions to USPS Marketing Mail in 2026.
HPM provides a USPS Marketing Mail parcel option for qualifying commercial and nonprofit non-fulfillment pieces weighing up to 15 pounds.
HPM also includes:
Presorted and Carrier Route pricing options
5-Digit/Direct Container and SCF Pallet discounts for qualifying Presorted and Carrier Route HPM parcels
Qualifying catalogs may be eligible for the USPS Catalog Incentive
At this time, USPS's published 2027 promotional eligibility information lists qualifying letters and flats for the primary Marketing Mail promotions and does not list Heavy Printed Matter parcels as eligible mail.
If you have a heavier catalog or other printed piece on the horizon, have the mailing specifications reviewed early. The expanded Marketing Mail weight limits and Heavy Printed Matter category may provide options that were not previously available.
Marriage Mail Incentive: A Bigger Discount for Qualifying Mailings
Another opportunity worth noting is the USPS Marriage Mail Incentive, designed for qualifying shared mailings containing advertisements from multiple businesses.
The incentive increased from 10% to 20% effective July 12, 2026.
Eligibility requirements apply, so mailers considering the incentive should review their mailing specifications and program requirements before planning around the discount.
2027 USPS Promotions
USPS has released its 2027 Promotions Calendar, giving marketers and mailers several opportunities to reduce postage on qualifying campaigns while exploring different ways to make mail more engaging. Here are some of the major opportunities to put on your radar.
2027 USPS Promotions Calendar. (Click to go to the USPS Website).
Tactile, Sensory & Interactive
January 1 – June 30, 2027
Mailers can receive:
3% discount for qualifying standard finishes and techniques
5% discount for qualifying complex finishes and techniques
Eligible enhancements can include tactile, dimensional, visual, scent, sound, and other qualifying experiences.
Registration: October 15, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Integrated Technology
Choose a consecutive six-month period during 2027
This promotion encourages mailers to connect physical mail with technology such as:
Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality
Mixed Reality
NFC
Video in Print
Voice Assistant integration
Mobile shopping
Artificial Intelligence
Discount: 5%
Registration begins: November 15, 2026.
First-Class Mail Advertising
April 1 – December 31, 2027
A 5% discount is available for qualifying First-Class Mail advertising campaigns.
Registration: February 15 – December 31, 2027.
Direct Mail Discovery
April 1 – September 30, 2027
Designed to encourage businesses that haven't mailed in the past two years to try direct mail.
Eligible new mailers can receive 40% off up to 5,000 pieces per mailing, with eligibility for up to 100,000 total pieces during the promotion period.
Registration: February 15 – September 30, 2027.
Impact Messaging
May 1 – September 30, 2027
This new promotion offers a 5% discount for qualifying mailpieces featuring messaging that promotes the impact of direct mail and other USPS offerings.
Marketing Mail letters, flats, and Heavy Printed Matter parcels can qualify.
2027 Add-Ons
USPS is also continuing two add-on opportunities that can be paired with qualifying base promotions:
Informed Delivery Add-On
January 1 – December 31, 2027
1% additional discount
An additional 0.5% incentive for eDoc submission
Can apply to qualifying Marketing Mail and Heavy Printed Matter campaigns.
Sustainability Add-On
January 1 – December 31, 2027
1% additional discount
Requires qualifying responsibly sourced and sustainably produced paper.
Can also apply to eligible Marketing Mail and Heavy Printed Matter.
These add-ons can be especially interesting when a campaign is already being designed around a larger USPS promotion.
Plan Ahead for 2027
With new Marketing Mail options already in effect and the 2027 promotions calendar available, now is a good time to start looking at upcoming mailings.
Have a project planned for 2027? Talk with your Schumann Printers representative early so we can review your mailing specifications and identify any USPS discounts or promotions that may apply.
Optional Resources: For the most current postal requirements and promotion details.