first-class mail | LetterStream Blog

Last Minute Mailings? We Have Your Back!

Year-end mailings: they’re crucial, they’re time-sensitive, and they’re often the thing that sneaks up on you at the busiest time of the year. Whether it’s financial statements, donor letters, nonprofit mail, or compliance notices, those envelopes aren’t going to stuff themselves. That’s where we come in—your trusted partner for making sure the mail gets out without a hitch (and without the stress).

Here’s the deal: we’re not just another mailing service. We’ve built LetterStream to make even the most last-minute mailings smooth and stress-free. And we’ve done it by keeping things personal, flexible, and (dare we say) kind of fun.

Why LetterStream Is Your Year-End MVP

We know there are options out there to choose from but here are a few reasons we’re the choice for those last-minute mailing needs:

Custom Solutions for Your Unique Needs: No two organizations are the same, and neither are their year-end mailing needs. Whether you’re a nonprofit sending donor thank-yous, a law firm wrapping up compliance documents, or a small business getting invoices out, we’ll help tailor the perfect mailing solution for you.
Easy-to-use platform: Our online platform is built with simplicity in mind. Upload your documents, pick your options, and let us do the rest. You can even schedule your mailings. Plus, 99% of all business mail already goes out by next business day but if you need the guarantee to get it out quicker then we offer an expedited option for an additional fee to get your mail out the same day!
We Handle it all: From sending Certified Mail online to bulk mailing projects, we’ve got the tools and expertise to take on the tasks you’d rather avoid. We literally do everything after you upload your documents; printing, folding, inserting, postage and of course, mailing.

We Care About Your Mail

Here’s the thing: We’re not just a faceless company that churns out envelopes. We’re a team of real people who genuinely care about helping you succeed. We take pride in making your mailing process seamless and stress-free because we know how much you’ve got on your plate. Your success is our success, and we’re honored to play a small part in helping you wrap up your year.

And hey, we’ve been in this business long enough to know that last-minute mailings happen to the best of us. Life gets busy, priorities shift, and suddenly, it’s crunch time. No judgment here—just solutions.

Mailing Made Simple

We believe that mailing should be the easiest part of your to-do list. That’s why we’ve streamlined every step of the process. Need to send Certified Mail? We’ve got it covered. Need to send last minute postcards out? Done. Want FedEx 2Day to really get your mail out and delivered fast. Yep, we’ve got that too. Just need to get those documents out ASAP without overthinking it? Say no more. This is what we do!

And if you ever have questions (or just need a little reassurance), we have our trusty 24/7 Chatbot that can help you answer any question you may have, day or night.

Let’s End the Year Strong

As the year winds down, remember that LetterStream is here for you now and whenever you may need us. Whether you’re sending 10 letters or 10,000, you can trust us to handle your mailing needs with care, speed, and accuracy.

So, take a deep breath, check “year-end mailings” off your list, and let us handle the rest. You’ve got bigger things to focus on—like celebrating all the wins this year brought your way.

Here’s to a stress-free mailing experience and an incredible year ahead. Thanks for letting us be part of your journey. Let’s make this year’s finish line a smooth one—together!

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail and First-Class Mail or FedEx 2Day and postcards we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account you can do so, here.

LetterStream’s Dear Santa Toy Drive to Benefit Live & Learn AZ

LetterStream truly believes in making an impact—not just with your mail but in our community as well. Which is why this holiday season we’re playing Santa’s little helpers with our Dear Santa Toy Drive to benefit the inspiring women and children of the Live & Learn AZ Foundation. Their mission? Empowering women to break the cycle of generational poverty. Our mission? Ensuring their kids experience the magic of the holidays through gifts and joy.

Donating to Live & Learn AZ

We’ve turned our office into a Christmas haven, complete with a beautiful tree adorned with something extra special—paper envelopes, each containing a child’s name and their holiday wish. LetterStream employees eagerly grab an envelope (or two, or three!), head out to find that perfect gift, and return it unwrapped to our office.

But here’s the best part: The gifts go straight to the amazing moms in the Live & Learn program. These hardworking women, who are striving to create a brighter future for their families, get to experience the joy of giving the presents directly to their children. It’s their chance to be the hero under the tree—a moment of connection and pride that’s truly priceless.

Why This Matters

Live & Learn AZ is making a real difference by providing education, training, and support for women determined to rewrite their stories. By participating in this toy drive, we’re helping these families celebrate the season with a little extra sparkle, while also shining a light on the importance of programs like the Live & Learn AZ foundation.

But let’s not forget—this is also about those little faces lighting up when they unwrap a gift they’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s a cuddly teddy bear, a set of crayons, Barbie, or that action figure they’ve had their eye on, these presents are so much more than toys. They’re symbols of love, hope, and brighter days ahead.

How You Can Help

If you’re reading this and feeling inspired, why not find a way to get involved in your own community? Whether it’s a toy drive, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness about organizations like Live & Learn AZ, there are so many ways to make a difference.

If you want to specifically help out the Live & Learn, you can click here to see the different ways you are able to give back to or volunteer and support this awesome foundation.

Making Holiday Magic Together

LetterStream is more than just a print and mail company that gets your important mail out quickly—we’re also about building connections and creating moments that matter. This holiday season, we’re proud to partner with Live & Learn AZ to bring a little extra magic to families who deserve it most.

So, here’s to the moms rewriting their stories, the kids dreaming big, and everyone who’s making this season shine a little brighter. Together, we’re proving that a little kindness can go a long way—and that’s something worth celebrating.

Happy Holidays from all of us at LetterStream! 🎄

Are you a charity or nonprofit looking for help with your donor mailings? After working with various nonprofit organizations, we created many easy-to-use solutions to help charities and nonprofit organizations. These solutions allow small nonprofits to easily take advantage of nonprofit postage rates and help with mailings that are required to be sent by first-class mail. To learn more and to get nonprofit postage, click here.

How to Schedule Mailings With LetterStream

It’s no secret the holiday season is a whirlwind of to-dos, but if you’re a company that sends business-critical mail then here’s one thing you can check off your list early: scheduling your mailings! Whether it’s end-of-year notices, important business documents, or that must-go-out HOA mailing, LetterStream’s scheduling tool lets you set it and forget it. You focus on decking the halls; we’ll focus on getting your mail out on time. After all, that’s what a printing and mailing company should be all about, right?

Why Schedule Your Mailings?

Imagine this: you’ve planned a winter getaway. While you’re sipping hot cocoa by a crackling fire—or enjoying a tasty drink on a tropical beach—an email from LetterStream arrives to confirm that your mailing has just been sent. That means, no stress, no interruptions, and no wondering whether everything went out on time. Wohoo!

Scheduling your mailings doesn’t just bring peace of mind; it’s a productivity game-changer. It allows you to plan ahead, avoid the last-minute holiday rush, and keep your business communications running like clockwork, no matter how hectic life gets. Keep in mind, scheduling a job isn’t just convenient during the holiday season. In fact, it’s awesome all year long for sending out physical mail.

How Does It Work?

Setting up a scheduled mailing with LetterStream is as simple as ordering your favorite holiday latte…peppermint mocha latte, anyone?

Here’s how easy it is:

Once the job is approved and paid for go to My Jobs in the header and choose View My Job List

Next, choose your job and on the right hand side click on EDIT.

A drop-down menu will appear. Choose Change Schedule Date and the date you want your job to be mailed on. Click Submit Change when done.

The scheduled post will then turn to orange and the Job Status will say “Scheduled.”

That’s it! We’ll handle the rest…and yes, it’s that easy!

A Little Holiday Pro Tip

While we’re at here’s a little pro tip for you. The scheduling tool is perfect for ensuring mailings go out on your timeline, but what if you need something to go out faster? That’s where Expedite come in. Whether it’s a last-minute business notice or an urgent document, we can ensure it will go out the same day. However, keep in mind that 99% of all mail goes out by the next business day as it is. So, either way your mailings go out fast! Just one may be a little bit faster than normal.

How to choose Expedite a job:

When you’re done creating your job and you hit Continue to Payment, the next screen will be My Account – Billing Information. There will be a drop-down menu that says “normal processing (included).” Click on the down arrow and you will see the option for “expedited processing (additional fee)” and that will be added to your job.

Easy enough.

Take Control of Your Mailing Schedule

This holiday season, don’t let the stress of getting mail out on time steal your holiday joy. With a quick plan, you can schedule your mailings, avoid the chaos, and focus on what really matters—celebrating the season stress-free with LetterStream!

How To Celebrate At A Printing And Mailing Company

You may already know LetterStream as a printing and mailing company. One that can easily send mail online for businesses of all sizes but something you may not know about us is how much LetterStream values people, especially our customers and employees. With that being said, we believe in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates achievements, creativity, and the team that makes it all possible.

Now that fall has swept in we’ve been able to have not one but two fantastic opportunities to come together as a team to celebrate and have some fun. From our Halloween pumpkin carving contest to our Q3 bonus party at our Scottsdale location, it’s been a season of bonding, creativity, and a little hibachi flair.

Let’s get into it.

Pumpkins, Prizes, and Creativity Galore

celebrating our team at LetterStream, a printing and mailing company.

Halloween at LetterStream brought out the best in our team’s creativity with our 2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Employees took to their carving tools to create spooky, silly, and downright impressive designs, turning pumpkins into works of art. The competition was fierce, with unique designs that showcased our team’s talent and humor.

LetterStream mail pumpkin with #10 envelopes coming out the top with postage included.

Of course, no contest is complete without prizes! Winners walked away with bragging rights and some exciting rewards. It was a fun-filled way to embrace the Halloween spirit and highlight the camaraderie that makes LetterStream such a strong workplace community.

Q3 Bonus Party: Celebrating Success Together

As the calendar turned toward November, we had another reason to gather: our Q3 Bonus Party at our Scottsdale location. This wasn’t just a typical celebration—it was a night filled with gratitude, reflection and a whole lot of delicious food.

The evening kicked off with snacks and our quarterly presentation, where we took a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and set sights on the future. We celebrated milestones, acknowledged hard work, and shared plans for what’s ahead—all while enjoying the energy and enthusiasm of the entire team.

The highlight of the night? A hibachi dinner experience that brought everyone together and boy was it fun. Watching the chefs in action was as entertaining as it was delicious, creating a dining experience that we won’t soon forget.

LetterStream employees enjoying a hibachi dinner to celebrate Q3 of our printing and mailing success.

To top it all off, we had even more fun and handed out more prizes during the night. It’s moments like these that remind us how much we value every person who makes LetterStream the company it is today.

A Team That Feels Like Family

These celebrations are more than just fun events—they’re a reflection of who we are as a company. We pride ourselves on being the go-to for sending letters such as First-Class Mail, Certified Mail online and FedEx 2Day (among other services), but we believe in showing up for one another, enjoying the work we do, and recognizing the achievements that drive our success. Whether it’s carving pumpkins or sharing a meal, we cherish the moments that bring us together and strengthen the bonds within our team.

Here’s to more milestones, more celebrations, and more reasons to gather as a community. As we head into the final weeks of the year, we’re already looking forward to what’s next—both for our business and the incredible people who make it all happen.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail and First-Class Mail or FedEx 2Day and postcards we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account you can do so, here.

Is Sending Physical Mail Better For Critical Business Communications?

Is sending physical mail better for critical business communications? The quick answer is yes. In today’s digital landscape, it feels like everything’s competing for attention. Emails pile up, screens demand constant refreshing, and notifications are endless. So, what’s the best way to get a message across when it really matters? Enter: good old-fashioned snail mail. From important notices and statements to updates that need acknowledgment, physical mail has some surprising advantages. There’s no cluttered inbox to contend with here—just a message delivered right to the recipient’s door. Here’s why business mail, from official documents to statements and policy changes, often achieves better results when sent the old-school way.

It’s Hard to Ignore Physical Mail

When an email notification can be swiped away in an instant, a physical letter sits patiently on a desk or countertop, waiting to be opened. There’s something undeniably impactful about receiving a tangible document that says, “This is important.” From account statements and legal notices to membership updates, a letter isn’t just information—it’s a call to action that grabs attention by design. Plus, it doesn’t get lost in the digital shuffle, so your customers, clients, or members are far more likely to actually read and respond to it.

Adds a Personal Touch to Business Communication

Emails may be fast and convenient, but they’re also a bit…impersonal. A physical letter, on the other hand, offers a personal, thoughtful touch that digital messages lack. There’s a sense of care that comes with a document you can hold in your hands. Imagine sending important updates about new services, policy changes, or community notices. Physical mail says, “We care enough to make this real,” which strengthens trust and customer loyalty. People notice when you take that extra step to ensure they’re informed.

Boosts Read Rates and Engagement With Physical Mail

With physical mail, there’s no spam filter, no cluttered inbox, no “marked as read” misclick. Studies show that printed letters have significantly higher open rates than digital communications. For crucial documents like statements, compliance notices, or account updates, this reliability can make all the difference. When your message lands in the mailbox, recipients are far more likely to open it, engage with it, and take any necessary action.

Stands Out in a Sea of Digital Noise

Digital fatigue is real—too many emails, too much time on screens, and a constant stream of notifications. By contrast, physical mail is memorable because it’s refreshingly different. In the middle of all that digital clutter, a letter becomes a focal point. For businesses, this can mean better response rates for service updates, billing information, and other vital communications. A physical document gives people the chance to step back, process the message, and respond without the usual distractions.

Why Use LetterStream for Your Business Mail?

When it comes to sending essential business mail, we make it quick and hassle-free. With LetterStream, sending physical mail online couldn’t be easier. We handle the printing, folding, and mailing for you, so you can focus on what matters most. Plus, our built-in tracking options, including Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day, let you monitor your mail right from your portal. Whether you’re sending monthly statements, compliance updates, or priority notices, LetterStream helps ensure your important messages reach their destination, on time and with peace of mind.

LetterStream is an online printing and mailing service company, offering bulk printing and mailing business mailing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online. Be sure to sign up for a FREE account to check us out.

How To Easily Send Recall Notices Online

Sending recall notices is easier than you think. So easy, in fact, that you can send your recall letters right from your home or office. Imagine this: It’s a typical Tuesday morning, and just as you’re gearing up for the day with a coffee in hand, your team bursts in (or calls you) with news of a product recall. Maybe it’s a small part, or maybe it’s something more significant, but one thing’s clear: you need to reach out to your customers—fast.

Sending recall notices can feel like a juggling act. It’s about more than just getting the message out; it’s about getting it right, keeping your customers safe, and ensuring your company remains in good standing. But here’s the kicker: done right, recall notices can actually boost customer trust and loyalty. They don’t have to be a headache if you have the right strategy in place.

The Purpose of a Recall Notice

Recalls serve as a proactive measure, one that prioritizes customer safety. And yes, they’re often legally required, but more than that, recall notices show your customers that you have their well-being in mind, especially when it matters most.

A good recall notice is straightforward, including only the essentials: what’s being recalled, why it matters, and what the customer should do next. Think of it as the golden rule for recall notices—keep it simple and actionable.

Why Sending Snail Mail Is Essential in Recall Notices

Now, you might wonder, “Can’t we just email it and call it a day?” Unfortunately, for many recalls, email alone doesn’t cut it. For many industries like automotive, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals, sending physical mail is often required. And beyond compliance, physical notices are simply more tangible. They feel real—and they make a real impact.

But here’s where things can get tricky. Between managing addresses, printing, mailing, and ensuring delivery, sending thousands of recall notices can feel like juggling on a tightrope. That’s why many companies look for reliable mailing partners who specialize in high-stakes, time-sensitive mail.

The Power of Partnering with a Mailing Service

Think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing to mailing and tracking. That’s the dream, right? When you outsource recall notices, you’re not just checking off a box; you’re making sure every message reaches the right person at the right time.

Now, think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing and mailing to tracking. Working with a mailing service for your recall notices is bascially like having a backstage crew handling all the details and that’s the dream, right? Your focus stays on supporting your customers, while your partner handles the logistics, ensuring each notice gets sent out where it needs to go—quickly and accurately.

Here’s what a strong mailing partner brings to your recall game:

Speed: Timing is everything in a recall. Delays simply aren’t an option. With an experienced partner, you can get notices out in days, not weeks.
Accuracy: Sending a recall notice to the wrong address? Not a great look. A good mailing service will have systems in place to double-check accuracy and reach the right audience.
Compliance: From secure data handling to meeting industry standards, an experienced provider ensures that you’re fully compliant every step of the way.The result? A smoother process for you and peace of mind for your customers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid With Recall Notices

Let’s face it: sending recall notices can have its share of challenges. Here are a few pitfalls we’ve seen companies encounter—and how partnering with an expert mailing service can help avoid them:

Outdated Customer Information: Ever tried to reach a customer who moved years ago? It’s frustrating—and it undermines the impact of your notice. A dedicated mailing partner can help by verifying addresses and reducing the chances of returned mail. We refer to this service as Address Cleanup here at LetterStream.
Missing Follow-Ups: Sending one recall notice is rarely enough. Some customers need a second reminder. Setting up a follow-up plan and scheduling out your mailing makes a huge difference.
Complicated Next Steps: Recall notices should be easy to understand and act on. A skilled mailing partner ensures your notices are formatted clearly, making it simple for customers to know exactly what to do. LetterStream offers something called a PDF Preflight tool in customer accounts, which allows them to make sure addresses and content are structured correctly for First-Class Mail and Certified Mail.

Recall Notices Made Easy with LetterStream

Handling a recall is already challenging—sending out notices shouldn’t make it harder. That’s why we’re here to help make the process smooth and straightforward by easily sending mail online. By offering print and mail online, we’re ensuring your recall notices go out quickly and reach the right people without any fuss. From printing, folding, and inserting to mailing, we handle every step, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: your customers. With us taking care of the logistics, sending recall notices becomes one less thing to worry about—quick, accurate, and easy.

Here’s the fun part. You can choose to send your recall letters via First-Class mail or some of you may be asking, “can you send certified mail online?” and the answer is yes! If you want send your recall notices as Certified Mail, we not only let you do that but we also let you track them right from inside of your account. It really is that easy with online printing and mailing companies…well at least at ours.

Trust and Transparency in Every Envelope

A recall notice is more than just a piece of mail. It’s a lifeline that keeps customers safe, builds trust, and strengthens your brand reputation. By sending timely, accurate recall notices, you show customers that you’re proactive about their well-being. And yes, it’s legally required in many cases—but even without the mandate, it’s simply the right thing to do.

How To Avoid Mailing Horrors With Address Cleanup

Nothing’s scarier than sending out an important batch of mail only to have half of it returned due to missing or outdated addresses! With that being said, Halloween seems like the perfect time to talk about the “phantom of the missing address”—a haunting error that disrupts businesses during peak mailing seasons. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? However, it doesn’t have to. With our dedicated address cleanup services, LetterStream helps keep these spooky mistakes out of your mailings. Our commitment to attention to detail, precision, and accuracy ensures that your communications reach their intended recipients without a hitch.

Speaking of attention to detail, it’s something we live by at LetterStream, both in our work and our workplace culture. This Halloween, we’re hosting our 2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving contest, where our team’s creativity and focus are on full display as they compete for fun prizes. Just as each pumpkin is carefully carved and designed, each mailing project we handle is managed with meticulous care to ensure it reaches its intended destination smoothly. Ok, but more on this later. Let’s get back to missing addresses, shall we?

The Phantom of the Missing Address: How It Haunts Your Business

The phantom of the missing address lurks in outdated mailing lists, incorrect addresses, and overlooked details. When mailing lists aren’t current, your communications risk being returned like haunted echoes, resulting in wasted postage, delayed timelines, and costly reprints. The nightmare of managing undelivered or misdelivered mail due to wrong addresses in your address list can drain valuable time and resources from your business—especially as year-end deadlines loom. This is why mailing address validation is important.

Avoid the Nightmare of Returned Mail with LetterStream’s Address Cleanup Solutions

LetterStream finds data accuracy extremely important, which is why our Address Cleanup services cover every essential step to keep your mailing lists fresh, accurate, and compliant with USPS standards. By standardizing and validating each address through address verification and cleanup services, we eliminate the risk of costly returns and ensure that your communications arrive as intended.

Here’s how our Address Cleanup services work:

Address Standardization: Every address is formatted to United States Postal Service standards, including standard abbreviations, uppercase text, and compressed data for postal automation compliance.
Spelling and Formatting Corrections: Our system corrects common spelling errors in street and city names and applies standard formatting, reducing the chance of undelivered mail due to minor errors.
Zip+4 Code Addition: We automatically add the Zip+4 extension to each address, enhancing delivery accuracy and reducing processing times.
Duplicate Record Removal: We identify and remove duplicate entries to prevent unnecessary mailings and reduce postage costs.
Delivery Point Validation (DPV): DPV verifies that the house or street number exists within the known range for each street, further ensuring accurate delivery and avoiding undeliverable mail.

With these Address Cleanup features, we make sure your mailing lists are accurate and compliant, so your mailings are delivered on time, every time.

Enhancing Accuracy with National Change of Address (NCOA) Services

For even greater accuracy, LetterStream’s National Change of Address (NCOA) services (another address verification tool) goes beyond standard address cleanup. By referencing the USPS change-of-address system, we can identify recipients who have moved within the past 18 months and provide their most current address. This process improves deliverability and reduces the risk of returned mail due to recent moves.

Here’s what our NCOA services include:

Address Cleanup Services: Everything in the list above for Address Cleanup Services
Move Verification: Using the USPS address change data service, we check if anyone on your mailing list has relocated, so you don’t lose touch with customers or clients due to outdated addresses.
Address Updates: Once we identify recipients who have moved, we update their mailing information to reflect their current address, ensuring every piece of mail reaches its intended recipient.
Enhanced Deliverability: Our NCOA service increases the reach of your communications by keeping your lists accurate and current, helping you avoid the cost and hassle of returned mail.

With NCOA, LetterStream goes the extra mile to keep your mailing lists updated and deliverability high, protecting your business from the disruptions that come with outdated addresses.

Carving Out Community and Quality: Our Pumpkin Contest and Commitment to Excellence

LetterStream's employees who help with address cleanup, celebrate with a Halloween party

Ok, now that the important information has been gone over, let’s talk a little bit more about our office fun. Our pumpkin carving contest is a highlight of Halloween at LetterStream. Employees unleash their creativity, crafting intricate designs while enjoying some well-deserved Halloween treats, food and friendly competition. This celebration of teamwork, creativity, and precision is woven into our work culture in ways that directly benefit our clients.

How you might ask? Good question.

Just as each pumpkin is carved with unique care and creativity, our dedication to meticulousness is apparent in the work we send out. Our employees pay close attention to details, verifying addresses, ensuring letters reach the correct recipients, and double-checking data to prevent errors. From address cleanup to NCOA processing, each step is performed with precision, so every piece of mail reaches its intended recipient without a hitch.

Our team’s commitment to accuracy helps protect your business from the costly mistakes of undelivered or misdelivered mail, letting you rest easy—even during the spookiest season.

Don’t Let Missing Addresses Haunt Your Mailings

To bring it full circle, this Halloween, let’s make sure the phantom of the missing address doesn’t haunt your business. When partnering with LetterStream, you’re gaining a team dedicated to precision and reliability. With our Address Cleanup and NCOA mailing services, you’ll save time, money, and peace of mind. Plus, you’ll know you’re working with a company that values creativity and community—both within our walls and in our partnerships with clients.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay one step ahead of those haunting mailing errors and keep your business running smoothly through the spooky season and beyond. And from all of us at LetterStream, Happy Halloween!

LetterStream is an online printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing business mailing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online. Click here to create a free account.

FedEx Holiday Surcharge—Here’s What You Need to Know

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re planning your end-of-year mailings, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: FedEx is rolling out a FedEx holiday surcharge. However, it’s not a flat fee this year—there are a few twists and turns this time around. Starting October 28th, FedEx will be adding a $1 surcharge on letters and envelopes, and it’ll change a couple of times before going away in late January.

Let’s break it down and chat a little bit about how LetterStream is handling it, so you’re not caught off guard during the busy season.

So, What’s the Deal with the Holiday FedEx Surcharges 2024?

From October 28th to January 19th, FedEx is adding a temporary surcharge to letters and envelopes. But it won’t be the same rate the whole time—here’s the timeline:

Starting October 28th: FedEx adds a $1 surcharge per letter or envelope.
On November 25th: That jumps to $2 during the holiday peak.
On December 30th: It drops back down to $1.
After January 19th: The surcharge ends.

If you’re sending out bulk letters or documents, especially around big shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll want to keep these dates in mind. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but nothing we can’t handle together when it comes to FedEx online printing and mailing.

Here’s How LetterStream Is Handling It

We get that surcharges can be frustrating, especially when managing a lot of mail. That’s why we’re keeping things as straightforward as possible. As FedEx adjusts its rates, we’ll match those changes within our services. Just to be clear. We are not raising our prices on FedEx, only adding on a fee for the purchase during this holiday season. That means when you send mail online through us you’ll see the surcharge added as $1 starting October 28th, going up to $2 on November 25th, back to $1 on December 30th, and gone after January 19, 2025.

To keep everything transparent, you’ll see the FedEx holiday surcharge as a line item before paying and on your invoice as: FedEx Surcharge / Mandated FedEx Holiday Fee. This way, you’ll always know what to expect when it comes to the added surcharge fee.

Why This Matters for Your Mailings

If you’re in charge of bulk mailings—whether it’s invoices, HOA notices, legal documents, or some festive holiday mail—you’ve probably got enough on your plate already. Adding a fluctuating surcharge into the mix can feel like another thing to juggle.

By matching FedEx’s peak season surcharge exactly, we’re helping you avoid any surprises when it comes to checking out. You’ll know in advance what your mailing costs will be, so it’s easier to plan and budget without any last-minute curveballs.

Planning Ahead for the Holiday Rush

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on us all, and mailing deadlines definitely don’t help. If you haven’t started planning your end-of-year mailings, now’s the time to get things in motion. While the $1 surcharge starts on October 28th, it’s that jump to $2 on November 25th that’s going to matter most if you’re sending out a lot of FedEx online mail during the holiday crunch. The earlier you can get your mailings out the better. You’ll save on costs and avoid the holiday rush altogether.

Wrapping It Up (No Pun Intended!)

The FedEx holiday surcharge might be a bit more complicated this year, but that doesn’t mean your mailing process has to be. We’re keeping things simple, transparent, and easy to navigate over here at LetterStream. As you prepare for your holiday mailings—whether it’s important documents or some holiday cheer—you can count on clear pricing with no hidden fees when you send snail mail online through us.

Here’s to a stress-free holiday season! Let’s get those letters where they need to go, no matter what FedEx has in store.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk online printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online.

Top Reasons Franchises Are Outsourcing Printing and Mailing for Faster Growth

Franchise owners have a lot on their plate, from managing multiple locations to keeping operations running smoothly. When it comes to essential communications—whether promotional materials, invoices, or important legal documents—efficiency and accuracy are critical. However, handling printing and mailing in-house can be a time-consuming and a resource-intensive process. That’s why many franchises are turning to outsourcing, allowing them to focus on what they do best: growing their business.

Here’s why outsourcing bulk print and mail needs is becoming a popular choice for franchises:

Let the Experts Handle It

Managing the logistics of printing and mailing can quickly become overwhelming. From printer malfunctions to managing supplies and ensuring timely deliveries, it can be a significant drain on internal resources. Franchisees already juggle enough daily responsibilities, so adding print and mail operations to the list only adds complexity.

Outsourcing to professionals removes this burden, leaving the intricate processes of printing and mailing to experts. This ensures that your materials are produced and sent out efficiently, with minimal hassle. Instead of spending time on admin tasks, franchisees can focus on delivering excellent service and growing their business.

Cost-Effective Solutions

While it might seem more cost-effective to handle printing and mailing in-house, the reality is that expenses can add up quickly. Printers, paper, ink, maintenance, and dedicated staff all come with a price tag. And when something goes wrong—like a printer breakdown—the unexpected costs can be significant.

Outsourcing often provides a more affordable option, especially for franchises that need high-volume mailings. Professional services can offer bulk pricing and eliminate the need for constant maintenance. By outsourcing, you can cut operational costs while still receiving high-quality, professional results.

Speed and Efficiency

Franchises thrive on efficiency, and when it comes to getting time-sensitive and important mailings out the door—whether statement and customer communications, signed ownership documents or tax documents—speed matters. Managing this process in-house can lead to delays and inefficiencies, especially when coordinating across multiple locations.

Outsourcing ensures that all your printing and mailing needs are handled promptly and professionally. With the right provider, you can trust that your materials will be processed and sent out quickly. This allows your franchise to run smoothly and meet tight deadlines without added stress.

Pro tip: If you want to get your mail delivered the fastest way possible, you can choose FedEx 2Day with a signature confirmation. That way if gets your mail there fast and you can track. Another option for tracking would be Certified Mail and you can also choose Certified Mail with an Electronic Return Receipt to get proof of delivery.

Compliance and Security

Franchises often need to deal with sensitive documents such as legal notices, financial disclosures, or regulatory forms. Ensuring these communications are handled correctly is crucial, as any errors could lead to compliance issues or security risks.

Outsourcing your printing and mailing to a trusted provider ensures that these important documents are processed securely and in accordance with legal standards. These providers are well-versed in data privacy and compliance regulations, so you can rest assured that your documents are being managed appropriately and securely.

Focus on Growth, Not Admin

For franchise owners, the goal is always growth—expanding locations, improving customer service, and increasing profits. By outsourcing non-core tasks like printing and mailing, franchises can reallocate their time and resources to focus on achieving these bigger business goals.

Outsourcing doesn’t just reduce the administrative burden—it enables franchisees to run more efficient operations. With printing and mailing handled externally, franchise owners and managers can concentrate on strategic priorities that drive long-term success.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online.

How To Prepare For Mail Slowing Down This Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here—cue the festive lights, family gatherings, and, of course, the inevitable mail slowdown. Yep, as we head into the busiest time of the year, USPS, FedEx, and UPS are bracing for a tidal wave of packages and letters. Whether it’s holiday cards or businesses sending out year-end notices, the mail system is about to get busier than ever.

Now, we’d love to tell you that your mail carrier will power through the season with ease, but the truth is, things might start to feel like you’re stuck behind holiday shoppers on Christmas Eve. So, what does that mean for your business? Let’s take a closer look—and most importantly, figure out how you can avoid getting caught in the holiday mail storm.

Why Does Mail Slow Down During the Holidays?

It’s all about volume. USPS anticipates handling over 12 billion mailpieces, including close to a billion packages, during the holiday season. Yes, you did read that correctly. And that’s not counting all the letters, postcards, and business mail like invoices, statements, and end-of-year notices. When the system is overloaded like that, it’s no surprise things start to move at a snail’s pace really making living up to the name of sending snail mail.

It’s like trying to funnel a river through a garden hose—it’s bound to overflow and slow things down. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to plan early and stay ahead of the holiday rush to hopefully help avoid holiday mailing delays.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Here’s where it gets real: If your business relies on getting mail out on time—whether it’s invoices, contracts, or HOA annual meeting notices—you can’t afford to let holiday mail delays bog you down. As mail carriers juggle the extra load, what normally takes just a few days to deliver might start showing up fashionably late.

This could be a big deal if you’re sending time-sensitive legal or financial documents. An invoice that arrives two weeks late doesn’t just delay a payment; it can mess with your entire cash flow. And if you’re handling important contracts or compliance documents, missed deadlines could cost you a lot more than just frustration.

Long story short: Don’t wait for the holidays to sneak up on you—plan ahead and stay ahead.

How to Stay Ahead of the Holiday Slowdown

The good news? There are ways to make sure your business mail stays on track, even when carriers are overwhelmed. Here are a few strategies to keep things moving smoothly:

1. Plan Early, Send Early

The earlier you can get your letters mailed, the better. If you’re planning a big mailing—whether it’s holiday promotions or year-end statements—send them earlier than usual. Trust us, your future self will thank you when your mail sails through before the holiday bottleneck hits.

2. Consider Faster Mailing Options

If timing is critical (and it often is), upgrading your mailing services might be the way to go. FedEx Overnight and 2Day are the fastest options when it comes to sending mail quickly. First-Class Mail and Certified Mail services are usually given priority, meaning your documents have a better chance of reaching their destination on time but it’s not a guarantee. In fact, Certified Mail can actually take longer than what the USPS says. If you wondering how long Certified Mail takes, you can read more on that here. Yes, it might cost a bit more upfront, but when deadlines are looming, peace of mind is worth it.

3. Let the Pros Handle It

This is where we come in. If the thought of juggling large mailings during the holidays feels overwhelming, why not let someone else handle the logistics? We specialize in printing, inserting, and mailing business documents, so you can focus on running your business—or, you know, sipping some holiday eggnog. Literally, we handle all of the printing and mailing for you. We’ll make sure your mail gets out on time, no matter how busy the season gets. All you have to do is upload your documents and we handle the rest. You can even upload early and schedule out for future mailings.

4. Track Your Mail

If your mail absolutely must arrive by a certain date, tracking is your new best friend. Services like Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day come with tracking options so you can monitor the progress of your mail and keep your clients informed every step of the way. If using LetterStream you can send mail online and then with a Certified Mail Electronic Return Receipt or FedEx 2Day signature you can easily track it right from inside of your account without having to enter in a tracking number.

Don’t Let the Holidays Derail Your Business

The holiday season isn’t just about giving—it’s also about dealing with a lot more mail. But with carriers moving slower under the weight of extra deliveries, businesses need to stay on top of their game to avoid delays. By planning ahead, upgrading your mailing options, and outsourcing to the pros, you can keep your business running smoothly through the holiday chaos.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that when you send physical mail online that it doesn’t get stuck in the seasonal slowdown. So, let’s keep things moving—before the rush sets in.

Ready to make sure your business mail stays on track this holiday season? We’re here to help you navigate the busiest time of year without skipping a beat. Sign up for a free account and start sending letters or your bulk mailing ASAP here.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies.