USPS periodically updates postage rates for mailing and shipping services. When this happens, your postage meter may need to download the newest rate table before you process mail using the updated prices.
MCC supports Quadient postage meters. Many Quadient meters can receive rate updates through their online connection, but your meter must be able to connect successfully for updates to download.
Why Postal Rates Change
USPS rate changes may affect:
- First-Class Mail
- Marketing Mail
- Certified Mail
- Priority Mail
- Package services
- Extra services
- Postcards
- Flats
- Letters
- Other mailing classes or fees
Rate changes may happen at scheduled times during the year or when USPS updates pricing for specific services.
What This Means for Your Postage Meter
When rates change, your meter uses an updated rate table to calculate the correct postage amount.
Depending on the timing and your meter model, the new rate table may:
- Download automatically before the rate change
- Become active on the USPS effective date
- Require a manual update from the meter menu
- Require the meter to complete an online services or generic call
- Require troubleshooting if the meter cannot connect
A meter may have the new rates downloaded but not use them until the official effective date.
What You Should Do Before a Rate Change
Before a USPS rate change takes effect, make sure your meter is ready.
Check that:
- The meter is powered on
- The meter can connect to online services
- Network or communication cables are secure
- No connection error messages are showing
- Your team knows how to run a rate update or generic call
- You know who to contact if the meter will not update
If your meter has not connected recently, it may not receive the latest rate information.
How to Update Rates on a Quadient Meter
On many Quadient iX Series meters, you can update rates by running a rate table update or generic call from the meter menu.
The general process is:
- Make sure the meter is connected.
- Open the meter menu.
- Go to the rate, online services, or update section.
- Select the option to update rates, download rates, or run a generic call.
- Allow the meter to connect and complete the update.
- Follow any prompts on the screen.
- Confirm the update completed successfully.
The exact menu names may vary by model.
For step-by-step instructions, see: How to Update the Postage Rate on a Quadient iX Postage Meter.
Updating Rates Is Different from Adding Postage
A rate update changes the postage prices your meter uses to calculate mail.
Adding postage adds money to the meter so you can continue processing mail.
You may need to do both, but they are not the same thing.
For example:
- If your meter has the wrong postage prices, update the rate table.
- If your meter has the correct prices but not enough available funds, add postage.
What Happens If You Do Not Update the Rate?
If your meter does not have the current USPS rates, it may calculate postage incorrectly.
This can lead to:
- Underpaid mail
- Returned mail
- Delayed delivery
- Extra postage due
- Incorrect postage reporting
- Confusion at mail pickup or acceptance
If you are unsure whether your meter has the correct rates, check the rate table or contact MCC for help.
What If the Meter Will Not Update?
If your meter cannot download the new rates, the issue may be related to the connection.
Check:
- Network cable or communication line
- Internet access
- Firewall or security settings
- Recent network changes
- Meter error messages
- Whether a generic call completes successfully
If the meter cannot connect to online services, it may not be able to download rate updates.
When to Contact MCC
Contact MCC if:
- Your meter will not connect
- The rate update fails
- The generic call does not complete
- The meter still shows old rates
- You see an error message during the update
- You are not sure whether your meter has the current USPS rates
- Your IT team needs help understanding connection requirements
- You need help with a Quadient postage meter
When contacting MCC, include:
- Business name
- Contact name
- Phone number
- Meter model
- Meter serial number
- Equipment location
- Error message, if shown
- What steps you already tried