The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new postage rates to be implemented on Sunday, January 24, 2021, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Listed below are the highlights of the proposed 2021 USPS shipping rate increase for customers buying postage online for DOMESTIC SHIPPING services. For information about the previously announced mailing rates see the USPS 2021 Mailing Rates post.

Priority Mail Express – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
0.5	$0.00	$0.00	$0.95	$1.10	$1.15	$1.35	$1.55	$2.2
1	$0.00	$0.00	$1.10	$1.25	$1.35	$1.60	$1.80	$2.55
2	$0.00	$0.00	$1.20	$1.50	$1.55	$1.85	$2.10	$2.95
3	$0.00	$0.00	$1.35	$1.65	$1.85	$2.10	$2.35	$3.35
4	$0.00	$0.00	$1.45	$1.90	$2.05	$2.35	$2.65	$3.75
5	$0.00	$0.00	$1.60	$2.05	$2.25	$2.60	$2.90	$4.10

Overall, prices for Priority Mail Express will increase by 2.5% (Commercial Base). A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail Express will cost $39.85 in 2021 compared to $38.05 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• Packages weighing up to 20 lbs. traveling to Zones 1 through 3 will not see an increase.
• Rate increases for Zone 9 (U.S. territories) are increasing by 4.95% or more
• Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing will be the same in 2021.
• The maximum discount for Commercial Base based pricing compared to Post Office (Retail) prices is 17%
• NEW: An overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130 inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit. This $100 surcharge must be paid by the shipper before the package will be delivered.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Mailpiece	2021	2020	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$22.75	$22.75	$0.00
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$22.95	$22.95	$0.00
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$23.25	$23.25	$0.00

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes will NOT increase rates in 2021. Prices for Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes will remain the same as 2020, ranging from $22.75 to $23.25 per envelope. 

Priority Mail – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1	$0.14	$0.11	$0.11	$0.08	$0.36	$0.37	$0.38	$2.85
2	$0.15	$0.12	$0.12	$0.09	$0.45	$0.47	$0.5	$4.36
3	$0.16	$0.12	$0.13	$0.10	$0.55	$0.61	$0.71	$5.92
4	$0.16	$0.13	$0.14	$0.10	$0.64	$0.72	$0.82	$7.13
5	$0.16	$0.13	$0.14	$1.06	$0.73	$0.83	$0.95	$8.29

Priority Mail will see an average increase of 3.6% (Commercial Base). A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail will increase $0.38, costing $8.80 in 2021 compared to $8.42 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• Rate increases are modest (2.04% or lower) for packages weighing up to 6 lbs. being delivered to Zones 1-5.  The one exception is Zone 5 at 5 lbs. which is seeing an increase of $1.06 (9.96%).
• For all packages weighing up to 70 lbs. being delivered to Zones 6-8, the rate increases are significant at 4.50% or higher.
• For packages weighing 7 lbs. or more, Zone 1-5 are seeing a significant increase of 3.96% or higher.
• For packages weighing 11 lbs. or higher, the rate increase is a minimum of 7%.
• Rate increases for Zone 9 (U.S. territories) are increasing by 24.99% or more
• The maximum Priority Mail Commercial Base discount compared to Post Office (Retail) prices is 40%.
• NEW: An overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130 inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit. This $100 surcharge must be paid by the shipper before the package will be delivered.

Priority Mail Flat Rate – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Mailpiece	2021	2020	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$7.40	$7.15	$0.25
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$7.70	$7.45	$0.25
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$8.00	$7.75	$0.25
Small Flat Rate Box	$7.90	$7.65	$0.25
Medium Flat Rate Box	$13.75	$13.20	$0.55
Large Flat Rate Box	$19.3	$18.30	$1.00
APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box	$17.8	$16.80	$1.00

Shipping rates for Priority Mail Flat Rate products will increase in 2021. The popular Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelope will increase $0.25 to $8.00 in 2021 compared to $7.75 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020. Rates for the Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box will increase $0.55 to $13.75 from $13.20 currently. Rates for the Large Flat Rate Box will increase $1.00, to $19.30 from $18.30 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• Rate increases gain in cost as the Flat Rate Box increases in size.
• Small Flat Rate boxes are increasing only $0.25 (3.5%) while the Large Flat Rate Box is increasing $1.00 (5.46%).

Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Box Type	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
A	$0.15	$0.12	$0.13	$0.09	$0.47	$0.50	$0.54	$4.68
B	$0.16	$0.13	$0.14	$0.83	$0.78	$0.89	$1.01	$8.60

Rates for Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes will be increasing for all shipping zones in 2021. A 5 lb. package going to Zone 8 using the Regional Rate Box A will increase by $0.54 to $12.64 in 2021 compared to $12.10 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.  Regional Rate Box A is priced at a 2 lb. regular Priority Mail rate, yet can contain products that weigh up to 15 lbs.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• For Regional Rate Box A, the closer shipping zones (Zones 1-5) are seeing a modest 1-2% increase.
• At Zone 6, the rate increase jumps significantly to 4.46% or higher
• Rate increases Zone 9 (U.S. territories) are increasing by 25%

First Class Package Service – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Mailpiece Weight	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1 ounce	$0.27	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28	$0.29	$0.30	$0.31	$0.31
2 ounces	$0.27	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28	$0.29	$0.30	$0.31	$0.31
3 ounces	$0.27	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28	$0.29	$0.30	$0.31	$0.31
4 ounces	$0.27	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28	$0.29	$0.30	$0.31	$0.31
5 ounces	$0.25	$0.26	$0.26	$0.26	$0.19	$0.17	$0.18	$0.18
6 ounces	$0.25	$0.26	$0.26	$0.26	$0.19	$0.17	$0.18	$0.18
7 ounces	$0.25	$0.26	0.26	$0.26	$0.19	$0.17	$0.18	$0.18
8 ounces	$0.25	$0.26	$0.26	$0.26	$0.19	$0.17	$0.18	$0.18
9 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.20	$0.21	$0.22	$0.22
10 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.20	$0.21	$0.22	$0.22
11 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.20	$0.21	$0.22	$0.22
12 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.20	$0.21	$0.22	$0.22
13 ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.26	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28
14 ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.26	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28
15 ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.26	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28
15.999 ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.26	$0.27	$0.28	$0.28

Overall rates for First Class Package Service will increase by 6.50%. A 15.999 ounce package for First Class Package Service traveling to zone 8 will increase $0.28 to $5.98 in 2021 from $5.70 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• First Class Package Service is seeing increases range from $0.11 (2.8% increase) to $0.31 (9.75% increase)
• The maximum First Class Package Service Commercial Base discount compared to Post Office (Retail) prices is 28%.
• First Class Package Service remains the best deal across all shipping carriers in the U.S.
• NEW: An overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130 inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit. This $100 surcharge must be paid by the shipper before the package will be delivered.

Parcel Select Ground – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1	$0.09	$0.06	$0.06	-$0.02	$0.06	$0.07	$0.03	$0.03
2	$0.05	$0.02	$0.02	-$0.06	$0.00	-$0.03	-$0.10	-$0.10
3	$0.01	-$0.03	-$0.02	-$0.05	-$0.10	-$0.19	-$0.34	-$0.34
4	$0.01	-$0.02	-$0.01	-$0.05	-$0.01	-$0.08	-$0.23	-$0.23
5	$0.01	-$0.02	-$0.01	$0.91	$0.08	$0.03	-$0.10	-$0.10
6	$0.01	-$0.02	-$0.01	-$0.01	$0.27	$0.27	$0.18	$0.18
7	$0.04	$0.09	$0.09	$0.34	$0.12	-$0.04	-$0.12	-$0.12
8	$0.04	$0.11	$0.16	$0.39	$0.22	$0.08	$0.05	$0.05
9	$0.07	$0.12	$0.18	$0.44	$0.32	$0.19	$0.22	$0.22
10	-$0.01	$0.04	$0.09	$0.36	$0.13	-$0.10	-$0.16	-$0.16

Overall rates for Parcel Select Ground will increase by 1.3% in 2021. However, many low weight packages are actually declining in 2021.  A 2 lb. package going to Zone 8 will DECREASE by $0.10 to $10.79 in 2021 from $10.89 (does not include holiday surcharge) in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• Lower weights and closer shipping zones are seeing rates DECREASE by as much as $0.34 cents (3 lbs., zone 8)
• Heavier packages traveling to farther shipping zones (Zones 6-8) are seeing big increases.  A package weighing 70 lbs. traveling to Zone 7 is seeing a $9.12 increase.
• NEW: An overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130 inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit. This $100 surcharge must be paid by the shipper before the package will be delivered.

Media Mail – 2021 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE – 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	2021	2020	Increase
1	$2.89	$2.8	$0.09
2	$3.45	$3.33	$0.12
3	$4.01	$3.86	$0.15
4	$4.57	$4.39	$0.18
5	$5.13	$4.92	$0.21
6	$5.69	$5.45	$0.24
7	$6.25	$5.98	$0.27
8	$6.81	$6.52	$0.29
9	$7.37	$7.06	$0.31
10	$7.93	$7.60	$0.33

Media Mail rates will increase by an average of 3.57% in 2021. A 1 lb. package traveling to Zone 8 will increase $0.09 cents to $2.89 in 2021 compared to $2.80 in 2020.

2021 USPS Shipping Rate Increase Points of Interest:

• The rate increases get higher as Media Mail package weights go up.  While 1 lb. rates are going up by $0.09, a 45 lb. package is increasing by $1.03 and a 70 lb. package is increasing by $1.53
• NEW: An overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130 inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit. This $100 surcharge must be paid by the shipper before the package will be delivered.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Update to the New USPS Rates on January 24, 2021

Once the rates are approved by the PRC, Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 24, 2021. If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will AUTOMATICALLY see the 2021 USPS rates in the platform.

Follow the Stamps.com blog for more USPS news, including year over year comparisons for USPS International Shipping rates.

The USPS has proposed new postage rates to be implemented on Sunday, January 26, 2020, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). In our earlier analysis, we showcased the 2020 postage rate increase for domestic letters and packages. This analysis highlights the 2019 USPS rate increase for INTERNATIONAL shipping services.

First Class Package International Service - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Countries Including:	Canada	Mexico	Australia, Japan, China	Russia, Turkey, Czech	UK, Germany, France
Country Group	1	2	3	4	5
1 lb.	$3.32	$0.23	$4.03	$1.43	$0.48
2 lbs.	$3.32	$0.23	$4.03	$1.43	$0.48
3 lbs.	$5.46	$0.24	$7.60	$3.57	$1.42
4 lbs.	$10.69	$4.03	$13.78	$3.56	$0.71

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Countries Including:	India, Taiwan, Singapore	South Africa, Tanzania	Egypt, Qatar	Brazil, Peru, Argentina
Country Group	6	7	8	9
1 lb.	$0.95	$2.14	$2.62	$0.95
2 lbs.	$0.95	$2.14	$2.62	$0.95
3 lbs.	$1.67	$3.33	$5.47	$1.90
4 lbs.	$0.24	$3.56	$7.60	$0.71

First-Class Package International Service™ – The overall increase for First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) prices will be 9.9%.

• Delivery to Canada (Country Group 1) is seeing a large rate increase.  A FCPIS 1 lb. package to Canada is increasing by $3.32 to $19.71 from $16.39 in 2019. A FCPIS 3 lb. package to Canada is increasing by $5.46 to $30.40 from $24.94 in 2019.
• Delivery to Australia/Asia (Country Group 3) will also see a large rate increase. A 1 lb. package to Australia/Asia is increasing by $4.03 to 26.36 from 22.33 in 2019. A 3 lb. package to Australia/Asia is increasing by $7.60, to $40.85 from $33.25 in 2019.

Priority Mail International CANADA - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$34.53	$32.59	$1.94
2 lbs.	$37.34	$35.20	$2.14
3 lbs.	$40.09	$37.81	$2.28
4 lbs.	$42.85	$40.42	$2.43
5 lbs.	$45.60	$43.04	$2.56

Priority Mail International UK - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$53.34	$49.97	$3.37
2 lbs.	$58.09	$54.39	$3.70
3 lbs.	$62.80	$58.81	$3.99
4 lbs.	$67.55	$63.22	$4.33
5 lbs.	$72.30	$67.64	$4.66

Priority Mail International AUSTRALIA - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$51.40	$48.07	$3.33
2 lbs.	$56.15	$52.58	$3.57
3 lbs.	$60.85	$57.10	$3.75
4 lbs.	$65.60	$61.61	$3.99
5 lbs.	$70.30	$66.12	$4.18

• Priority Mail International rates will be increasing by an average of 6.0% in 2019.
• The average increase of a Priority Mail International 1 lb. package will be $2.85.
• Priority Mail International packages to Canada are seeing an increase of 5.6% for a 1 lb. package, to $35.53 from $33.54 (Zone 1.3) in 2019.
• Priority Mail International packages to the UK are seeing a 6.3% increase for 1 lb. package, to $53.34 from $49.97 in 2019.   
• Priority Mail International packages to Australia are seeing a 6.5% increase for a 1 lb. package, to $51.40 from $48.07 in 2019.

Priority Mail Express International CANADA

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$46.82	$45.90	$0.92
2 lbs.	$51.81	$50.78	$1.03
3 lbs.	$56.80	$55.67	$1.13
4 lbs.	$61.79	$60.57	$1.22
5 lbs.	$66.78	$65.46	$1.32

Priority Mail Express International UK

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$65.31	$64.07	$1.24
2 lbs.	$69.68	$68.37	$1.31
3 lbs.	$74.06	$72.66	$1.40
4 lbs.	$78.45	$76.97	$1.48
5 lbs.	$82.83	$81.27	$1.56

Priority Mail Express International AUSTRALIA

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight Not Over (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1 lb.	$68.83	$67.53	$1.30
2 lbs.	$75.12	$73.70	$1.42
3 lbs.	$81.42	$79.88	$1.54
4 lbs.	$87.72	$86.06	$1.66
5 lbs.	$94.00	$92.23	$1.77

• Priority Mail Express International rates will be increasing by an average of 2.0% in 2019
• The average increase of a Priority Mail Express International 1 lb. package is increasing by $2.48.
• Priority Mail International packages to Canada are seeing an increase of 2.0% for a 1 lb. package, to $46.82 from $45.90 in 2019.
• Priority Mail International packages to the UK are seeing an increase of 1.9% for a 1 lb. package, to $65.31 from $64.07 in 2019.
• Priority Mail International packages to Australia are seeing an increase of 1.9% for a 1 lb. package, to $68.83 from $67.53 in 2019.

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new postage rates to be implemented on Sunday, January 26, 2020, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Listed below are the highlights of the proposed 2020 USPS rate increase for customers buying postage online for DOMESTIC letters and packages:

First Class Mail Letters - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER LETTER - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Mailpiece Weight	2020	2019	Increase
Letters - 1 oz.	$0.55	$0.55	$0.00
Letters - Additional Ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.00
Metered Mail Letters (Stamps.com Rate) - 1 oz.	$0.50	$0.50	$0.00
Metered Mail Letters (Stamps.com Rate) - Additional Ounces	$0.15	$0.15	$0.00
Flat/Large Envelope - 1 oz.	$1.00	$1.00	$0.00
Flat/Large Envelope - Additional Ounces	$0.20	$0.15	$0.05
Postcards	$0.35	$0.35	$0.00
International Letters - 1 oz. (County Groups 1-9)	$1.15	$1.15	$0.00
International Postcard (County Groups 1-9)	$1.15	$1.15	$0.00

The rate for a First Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) for postage purchased at the Post Office is NOT INCREASING in 2020, remaining at $0.55. If you print postage online (via Stamps.com), the Metered Mail rate will also NOT BE INCREASING, with rates remaining at $0.50 in 2020, a 5 cent discount off the Post Office price. Each additional ounce will cost $0.15 (no change from 2019).

The starting rate for a First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelope is NOT INCREASING in 2020 with the price remaining at $1.00 (1 oz.). Each additional ounce will cost $0.20 (a 5 cent increase from 2019). Postcards will remain at $0.35 in 2020.

Priority Mail Express - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1/2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
0.5	$0.07	$0.57	$0.56	$0.79	$0.87	$0.95	$1.37	$2.28
1	$0.26	$1.43	$-1.21	$-0.91	$0.36	$0.28	$1.53	$2.50
2	$0.47	$1.63	$-0.40	$0.94	$2.51	$2.48	$3.44	$5.18
3	$0.67	$2.30	$-0.96	$0.42	$2.18	$2.04	$3.10	$4.75
4	$0.88	$2.35	$0.08	$-0.16	$2.15	$1.84	$2.79	$4.40
5	$0.09	$0.76	$0.99	$1.49	$1.64	$1.79	$2.56	$4.18

Overall, prices for Priority Mail Express will increase by 2.2%. A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail Express will cost $38.05 in 2020 compared to $36.52 currently.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Mailpiece	2020	2019	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$22.75	$22.68	$0.07
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$22.95	$22.80	$0.15
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$23.25	$23.18	$0.07

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes will also see a rate increase in 2020. The increases vary depending on the type of envelope, ranging from $0.07 to $0.15 per envelope.

Priority Mail - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$1.49
2	$0.22	$0.23	$0.24	$0.26	$0.29	$0.31	$0.33	$2.28
3	$0.23	$0.24	$0.25	$0.28	$0.35	$0.39	$0.46	$3.09
4	$0.23	$0.25	$0.26	$0.30	$0.41	$0.47	$0.53	$3.72
5	$0.23	$0.25	$0.27	$0.31	$0.47	$0.54	$0.61	$4.33

Priority Mail will see an average increase of 2.8%. A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail will cost $8.42 in 2020 compared to $8.25 currently.

For 1 and 2 lb. packages, the Priority Mail rate increases are modest with a maximum increase of $0.17 for 1 lb. Zone 8, costing $8.42 (increase of 2.0%) and an increase of $0.33 for 2 lb. Zone 8 to $11.19 (increase of 2.9%). For packages weighing 4 lbs. or more, the rate increase are much more significant with increases of at least $0.53 per package.

Priority Mail Flat Rate - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Mailpiece	2020	2019	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$7.15	$6.95	$0.20
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$7.45	$7.25	$0.20
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$7.75	$7.55	$0.20
Small Flat Rate Box	$7.65	$7.50	$0.15
Medium Flat Rate Box	$13.20	$12.80	$0.40
Large Flat Rate Box	$18.30	$17.60	$0.70
APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box	$16.80	$16.10	$0.70

Postage rates for Priority Mail Flat Rate products will increase in 2020. The popular Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelope will cost $7.75 in 2020 compared to $7.55 currently, a $0.20 increase. Rates for the Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box will increase 40 cents, to $13.20 from $12.80 currently. Rates for the Large Flat Rate Box will increase 70 cents, to $18.30 from $17.60 currently.

Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 rates vs. 2019 rates

Box Type	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
A	$0.03	$0.07	$0.09	$0.16	$0.42	$0.58	$0.90	$3.05
B	$0.02	$0.01	$0.02	$0.88	$0.57	$0.74	$0.86	$4.65

Rates for Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes will be increasing for all shipping zones in 2020. A 5 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Regional Rate Box A will increase by $0.90 to $12.10 in 2020 compared to $11.20 currently.

Regional Rate Box A packages traveling shorter distances (up to Zone 5) are seeing a modest increase of up to 16 cents. Packages traveling to farther shipping zones are increasing much more – Zone 6 is seeing a 42 cents increase, Zone 7 is seeing a 58 cents increase and Zone 8 is seeing a 90 cents increase.

First Class Package Service - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Mailpiece Weight	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1 ounce	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09
2 ounces	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09
3 ounces	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09
4 ounces	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09
5 ounces	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.04	$0.04
6 ounces	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.04	$0.04
7 ounces	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.04	$0.04
8 ounces	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.04	$0.04
9 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.13	$0.13	$0.13
10 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.13	$0.13	$0.13
11 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.13	$0.13	$0.13
12 ounces	$0.11	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.13	$0.13	$0.13
13 ounces	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$0.17
14 ounces	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$0.17
15 ounces	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$0.17
15.999 ounces	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$0.17

Overall rates for First Class Package Service will increase by 2.2%. A 15.999 ounce package for First Class Package Service traveling to zone 8 will increase $0.17 to $5.70 in 2020 from $5.53 currently.

Packages that weigh 9 to 15.999 ounces are all seeing increases of 10 cents or more. A package weighing 15.999 ounces traveling to Zone 8 is seeing an increase of 17 cents (3.0%) to $5.70 in 2020 from $5.53 in 2019.

Parcel Select Ground - 2020 Rates (Commercial Base Pricing)

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.15	$0.16	$0.16	$0.17	$0.17
2	$0.22	$0.23	$0.24	$0.26	$0.29	$0.31	$0.33	$0.33
3	$0.23	$0.24	$0.25	$0.28	$0.35	$0.39	$0.46	$0.46
4	$0.23	$0.25	$0.26	$0.30	$0.41	$0.47	$0.53	$0.53
5	$0.23	$0.25	$0.27	$0.31	$0.47	$0.54	$0.61	$0.61
6	$0.24	$0.25	$0.28	$0.41	$0.54	$0.62	$0.71	$0.71
7	$0.24	$0.28	$0.28	$0.46	$0.60	$0.70	$0.80	$0.80
8	$0.25	$0.30	$0.33	$0.51	$0.65	$0.78	$0.90	$0.90
9	$0.27	$0.31	$0.35	$0.54	$0.71	$0.84	$1.00	$1.00
10	$0.38	$0.43	$0.47	$0.79	$1.03	$1.24	$1.46	$1.46

Overall rates for Parcel Select Ground will increase by 2.5% in 2020. A 2 lb. package going to Zone 8 will increase $0.33 to $10.89 in 2020 from $10.56 currently.

NEW: Parcel Select Ground rates are now cheaper than Priority Mail for all weights and shipping zones. For a 2 lb. package traveling to Zone 8, Parcel Select is cheaper by 30 cents ($10.89) compared to Priority Mail ($11.19).

Media Mail - 2020 Rates

INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2020 Rates vs. 2019 Rates

Weight (lbs.)	2020	2019	Increase
1	$2.80	$2.75	$0.05
2	$3.33	$3.27	$0.06
3	$3.86	$3.79	$0.07
4	$4.39	$4.31	$0.08
5	$4.92	$4.83	$0.09
6	$5.45	$5.35	$0.10
7	$5.98	$5.87	$0.11
8	$6.52	$6.39	$0.13
9	$7.06	$6.91	$0.15
10	$7.60	$7.43	$0.17

Media Mail rates will increase by 1.9% in 2020. A 1 lb. package traveling to Zone 8 will increase 5 cents, to $2.80 in 2020 compared to $2.75 currently.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Update to the New USPS Rates on January 26, 2020
Once the rates are approved by the PRC, Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 26, 2020. If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will AUTOMATICALLY see the 2020 USPS rates in the platform.

If you’re interested in selling high-profit items on eBay, you should definitely be frequenting estate sales.  Part one of this multi-part series focused on the kitchen.  Next stop?  The garage!

Garages are filled with goodies just waiting to be snapped up by savvy sellers.  The more disorganized the garage, the better.  There’s gold hiding in them thar piles!

Tools

First of all, focus on tools – especially vintage tools.  Both modern and vintage tools can be worth quite a bit on the resale market.  We recently bought a planer for $5 and sold it for over $400 on eBay.  Tools made by brands such as Snap-on, Mac, and DEWALT are always in demand.  Vintage “Made in America” hand tools such as crescent wrenches should be on your radar.  Vintage axe heads are another favorite of ours. 

Home Improvement Items

In addition, look for home improvement items.  Higher-end faucets and sinks bring in the big bucks if they are new or almost new. And cabinet pulls can be sold in lots.  At a recent yard sale, we purchased a $950 sink new in the box for $20 and sold it for $300.  The man who sold it to us had won it at a Christmas party.  (He worked for a home improvement company.)  We didn’t have to ship it because we had it listed as local pickup only. 

Fly Fishing Gear

Oh, where to start?  Americans love to fish, and fly fishing is all the rage!  Look for newer gear by brands such as Scott, Sage, Echo, Thomas & Thomas, and G. Loomis.  Old bamboo fly rods and vintage Fenwick poles are fan favorites (be sure to ship fishing rods in USPS mailing tubes).  In addition, don’t miss out on buying fly reels.  They are easy to photograph, easy to sell, and easy to ship.  Next, pay attention to vintage lures – the older the better.  And don’t miss the clothing produced by Simms and Filson.  Use your phone to look up current selling prices. 

New and Vintage Christmas Ornaments

While hunting for treasures, don’t miss out on Christmas ornaments.  Christmas ornaments sell year-round. Vintage ornaments in their original boxes are especially valuable.  Modern ornaments are also in demand.  Christopher Radko pieces, for example, are strong sellers.  And be on the lookout for pieces made by Swarovski.  Swarovski designs a new ornament for each and every year.  These crystal masterpieces are hot property and can sell for hundreds of dollars.  The most valuable Swarovskis are those in the original boxes with certificates of authenticity. 

Automobile and Bicycle Parts

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for automobile and bicycle parts.  Sourcing them can be a bit complicated, so be sure to research each piece before you buy it.

Yup.  Estate sales can be full of amazing items just waiting to be flipped on eBay. So get in line early, and when the doors open, head for the garage!

See part one: Finding Profits At Estate Sales: The Kitchen

About the Author

Miriam Otto is an eBay blogger and credentialed teacher with 13 years’ experience selling on the site.  She was a frequent guest on eBay Radio and has participated in eBay seller panels and projects.  Her blog, The eBay Life, is an all-in-one resource for eBay sellers.

The legislation regarding mailing hemp and CBD have recently changed to allow hemp products to be shipped legally. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) removed hemp from the federally controlled substance list which allows for hemp products to be shipped between states as of June 6, 2019. If you plan on shipping CBD or hemp products you’ll want to review the changes to ensure your business is operating within the law.

2018 Farm Bill

Based on this new legal status, hemp plants, seeds, and products can now be mailed through USPS to domestic addresses—military and international destinations are currently excluded. In addition to destination restrictions, there are a few conditions you must meet to ship hemp products. For starters, shipping industrial hemp products require a license from a state’s Department of Agriculture authorizing the production. Additionally, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration in a product cannot exceed a 0.3% limit. If you are shipping liquid hemp products be sure to follow the USPS guidelines to ensure leaks won’t cause your package to become unmailable.

Shipping with USPS

The USPS hemp and CBD shipping regulations align with the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. This means that you can use the USPS to mail hemp/CBD products domestically, as long as your shipment meets the following requirements. The Agricultural Improvement Act states:

• “Hemp” shall have the meaning provided under federal law, including Section 10113 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L.115-334 (7 U.S.C. § 1639o), or any successor provision. Hemp and hemp-based products, including cannabidiol (CBD) with the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of such hemp (or its derivatives) not exceeding a 0.3 percent limit are permitted to be mailed only when:
  • The mailer complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws (such as the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018) pertaining to hemp production, processing, distribution, and sales; and
  • The mailer retains records establishing compliance with such laws, including laboratory test results, licenses, or compliance reports, for no less than 2 years after the date of mailing.

It is important to note that it is the mailer’s responsibility to remain compliant with all laws and regulations governing mailability. Make sure to maintain your own records of compliance, including laboratory test results, licenses, and compliance reports for at least 2 years your mailing. USPS can request this documentation if there are any questions on the product’s mailability or the ability to legally receive the shipment so it’s important you have the documents on hand. These documentation requirements are not unique to hemp products however, they apply to all restricted items shipped with USPS.

 

How Stamps.com Can Help

Stamps.com makes shipping easy, with our online postage solution you can print postage directly from your home without going to the post office. Stamps.com gives customers access to all USPS mail classes, and discounts on domestic postage up to 40% off. Your existing technology isn’t a problem—Stamps.com integrates with many popular carts and marketplaces.