USPS Halts Discount Accounts — Price Wars and “Ghost Label” Risks Surge!

In recent weeks, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has sent formal email notices to multiple service providers holding USPS discount accounts, announcing the unilateral termination of their cooperation. This decision is expected to reshape the shipping landscape for many e-commerce businesses.

1.Key Details of the Termination

According to the USPS email, the decision is based on SCC regulations and serves as an official written notice.

Timeline at a glance:

• Within 30 days: Service providers who received the notice may continue using their discount accounts temporarily.
• Mid-September: These accounts will be gradually shut down.
• Late September: The number of active USPS discount accounts will drop sharply, with only a few providers maintaining access.

2. Short-Term Market Impacts and Risks

The limited remaining validity of these accounts may lead to short-term market volatility as providers compete to attract as many shipments as possible. Sellers should be aware of several risks:

①. Order Abandonment Risk

Some providers may aggressively take orders before account closure, only to stop processing shipments later, potentially causing financial losses and stranded parcels for sellers.

②. Surge of “Ghost Accounts”

Illegitimate or “ghost” accounts may become more active. These accounts often lure customers with abnormally low rates, but they carry compliance and payment risks.

3. USPS Tightens Compliance Measures

USPS is also stepping up its crackdown on postage fraud. New rules take effect September 1, 2025, including:
* Removal of “Preferred Shipper” and “No Intercept” lists — all parcels must have complete payment information before entering the network.
* Tracking numbers must remain unique for 120 days — no reuse allowed.
* BME (Business Mail Entry) shipments must submit Shipping Services Files (SSF) and cannot bypass payment obligations.
* All label-based billed parcels must include SSF documentation.
* Postage must be fully prepaid at the time of mailing.
⚠️ Warning: Parcels found without proper postage may be intercepted, treated as abandoned, or destroyed.

4. Action Steps for Sellers

To protect both inventory and cash flow, we recommend:

• Stay away from fraudulent labels (“tech labels” or “ghost labels”) — these carry a high risk of package loss and financial damage.
• Vet logistics partners carefully — check qualifications, account compliance, and reputation before committing.
• Track shipments proactively — confirm payment and status regularly to avoid disruptions.

Partner with a Reliable Provider

This sudden change in USPS policy may raise shipping costs and disrupt supply chains. The safest path forward is to work with a trusted, compliant provider.

Goodship56 offers UPS, FedEx, and USPS discounted delivery services — with full compliance support, competitive rates, and end-to-end visibility.
Contact us today to secure stable, cost-effective shipping solutions and avoid last-minute surprises.