Why US Mailers Are Switching From Metering to Permit Mail

Is It Time to Rethink Metering?

With the United States Post Office officially decertifying all legacy IBI meters by December 31, 2024, mailers across the country are weighing their options. One question is popping up more and more:

Let’s break down the top questions and myths around mailing permits—and why it might be the right choice for your operation.

Metering vs. Permit Mail: What's the Difference?

• Metering: Postage is printed directly on each piece and deducted immediately from a linked account.
  
  
• Permit Mail: Uses a pre-printed indicia. Funds are only deducted when mail enters the USPS system.

If you send moderate to high volumes of mail, this change could dramatically simplify your workflow, lower operational costs, and unlock discounted postage rates.

Top Benefits of Switching to Permit Mail

✅ Lower Postage Costs
Presorted permit mail qualifies for USPS commercial discounts that most metered mail doesn’t.

✅ Faster Processing
Print the indicia once—no need to weigh and meter each piece. Perfect for high-speed inserters and automated workflows.

✅ Simplified Accounting
Permit mail uses centralized USPS accounts—no juggling multiple meters or users.

✅ Less Equipment Maintenance
No more leases, inspections, or supply costs tied to meter hardware.

✅ Greater Flexibility
Take advantage of flexible account structures, add-on services, and seamless integration with presort providers.

Common Myths—Busted

❌ Myth: Permit mail is only for big mailers.
✅ Fact: If you send 200+ Marketing Mail or 500+ First-Class pieces, you qualify.

❌ Myth: Permit mail is more expensive.
✅ Fact: It often costs less when presorted—plus you avoid meter equipment fees.

❌ Myth: It’s hard to get started.
✅ Fact: All you need is PS Form 3615, and BlueCrest can walk you through the rest.

What About Seamless Acceptance?

Permit mail is 100% compatible with Seamless Acceptance, USPS’s streamlined method for mail verification and induction.

Benefits include:

• Postage incentives of up to $0.003 per piece

• Fewer verification delays

• Faster processing at entry points

• Full automation via Mail.dat

• Fewer manual steps and errors

It’s the smart way to prepare for the future of mailing.

Is Permit Mail Right for You?

If your operation is handling moderate to high volumes—or looking to cut costs and increase automation—permit mail could be the key. Whether you're a mail service provider, in-house mail operation, or logistics-driven business, there’s a clear case for reevaluating your approach before the metering mandate hits.

BlueCrest can help assess your mailing workflows, identify savings opportunities, and provide a step-by-step migration plan to meet the new mailing requirements.

Let’s Make the Switch Seamless

With decades of expertise in mail automation, compliance, and USPS integration, BlueCrest is ready to help you transition smoothly and confidently.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your mailing assessment.