USPS 2021 Postage FAQ

February 2nd, 2021 Comments off

When did the new USPS rates start?
The 2021 USPS postage rate increase went into effect on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Is the price of a First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) increasing in 2021?
If you purchase postage at the Post Office, the rate will remain $0.55. If you print postage online (via Stamps.com), the Metered Mail rate will increase by one cent to $0.51 in 2021, a 4 cent discount off the Post Office price. Each additional ounce will increase by 5 cents to $0.20.


When printing postage online for First Class Mail letters, do I get a discounted rate?
Yes, customers who print postage using Stamps.com save 4 cents per letter, paying only $0.51 instead of $0.55 (Post Office rate) – a 7% savings! This discount is known as the “Metered Mail” rate and is available for all postage printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com or through a postage meter.


Can I buy $0.51 “Metered Mail” rate postage stamps at the Post Office?
No, the “Metered Mail” rate $0.51 postage stamps can only be printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com or through a postage meter. The “Metered Mail” $0.51 stamps cannot be purchased at the Post Office.

When printing shipping labels online, do I get a
discounted rate?

Yes, customers who print postage online automatically qualify for discounted shipping rates from the USPS. Customers who print USPS shipping labels can received discounts up to 40% when purchasing Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or First Class Package Service. These discounted rates are automatically calculated when you print a shipping label inside the Stamps.com platform.

Can I print UPS shipping labels inside Stamps.com?
Yes! Along with USPS shipping services, Stamps. com now allows you to print labels for UPS shipping to fit your needs. Learn More about UPS Shipping in Stamps.com.

Has the USPS added new fees for larger/heavier packages in 2021?
Yes, the USPS has added an overweight/oversize surcharge of $100 for packages that exceed the 70 lb. maximum weight limitation or the 130-inch length plus girth maximum dimensional size limit.

Has USPS international shipping rates changed in 2021?
Yes, as with domestic rates, international rates have also increased in 2021. Additionally, the number of country groups has increased for USP international shipping services. Country groups are used to determine shipping rates for international packages based on the distance and country the package is traveling to. Priority Mail Express International country groups are increasing from 17 to 20, Priority Mail International country groups are increasing from 17 to 20, and First Class Package International Service country groups are increasing from 9 to 20 in 2021.

I am a Stamps.com customer. Do I need to take any actions to get the new rates after January 24, 2021?
No, if you are a Stamps.com customer, you do not need to take any action. Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version.

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2021 USPS Postage Rate Increase Guide

May 3rd, 2023 Comments off

USPS 2021 postage rate increase guide

Starting January 24, 2021, the USPS will implement new rates for domestic and international mail classes as well as its Special Services. Want to learn more about these changes and how they may impact your mailing and shipping? We’ve created a new guide for our customers detailing the USPS rate and service change for each mail class. This Postage Rate Increase Guide

includes side-by-side rate comparisons so you know how much you’ll pay on and after January 24, whether you pay retail rates or discounted Stamps.com rates. This guide also includes general shipping suggestions and a Frequently Asked Questions page to help answer any questions you might have about this rate increase.

This guide includes 2021 postage rates for:

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USPS Announces 2021 Rate Increase for Shipping Services

May 3rd, 2023 Comments off

USPS Announces 2021 Shipping rates

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

Mailpiece20212020Increase
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

Mailpiece20212020Increase
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 WeightZones
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$0.260.26$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.)
20212020Increase
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.

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USPS Announces 2021 Postage Rate Increase for Mailing Services

May 3rd, 2023 Comments off

USPS Announces 2021 rates

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new postage rates for Mailing Services to be implemented on Sunday, January 24, 2021, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). 

The 2021 rate increase for USPS Shipping services has not been released yet. 

Listed below are the highlights of the proposed 2021 USPS rate increase for customers buying postage online for USPS Mailing services.

First Class Mail Letters - 2021 Rates
INCREASE PER LETTER - 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates
Mailpiece Weight20212020Increase
Letters - 1 oz.$0.55$0.55$0.00
Letters - Additional Ounces$0.20$0.15$0.05
Metered Mail Letters (Stamps.com Rate) - 1 oz.$0.51$0.50$0.01
Metered Mail Letters (Stamps.com Rate) - Additional Ounces$0.20$0.15$0.05
Flat/Large Envelope - 1 oz.$1.00$1.00$0.00
Flat/Large Envelope - Additional Ounces$0.20$0.20$0.00
Postcards$0.36$0.35$0.01
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 2021, remaining at $0.55. Each additional ounce for First Class Mail will cost $0.20, a five cent increase from 2020.

If you print postage online (via Stamps.com), the Metered Mail rate (1 oz.) will increase by one cent to $0.51 in 2021.  The Metered Mail rate has a 4 cents discount off the Post Office price, representing a 7% discount.

The starting rate for a First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelope is NOT INCREASING in 2021 with the price remaining at $1.00 (1 oz.). Additional ounces are also NOT INCREASING in 2021. Postcard rates will increase by one cent to $0.36 in 2021, from $0.35 in 2020.

First Class Mail International Letters and Postcards are NOT INCREASING in 2021.

USPS Special Services - 2021 Rates
INCREASE PER SERVICE - 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates
Service Description20212020Increase
Certified Mail$3.60$3.55$0.05
Restricted Delivery$9.15$9.00$0.15
Adult Signature Required$9.15$9.00$0.15
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery$9.15$9.00$0.15
Certificate of Mailing - Basic$1.55$1.50$0.05
Insurance - Up to $50 of coveragestarts at $2.30starts at $2.25$0.05
Live Animal Transportation Fee$0.20$0.20$0.00
Package Intercept (Domestic)$14.65$14.65$0.00
Pickup on Demand$24.00$24.00$0.00
Return Receipt - electronic$1.75$1.70$0.05
Registered Mailstarts at $12.90starts at $12.60$0.30

USPS offers additional services that can be added to your mailpiece to provide record of mailing, delivery information, package insurance and restricted delivery.  The table above indicates the 2021 rate changes for USPS Special Services.

Media Mail - 2021 Rates
INCREASE PER PACKAGE - 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates
Weight (lbs.)20212020Increase
1$2.89$2.80$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 3.579% in 2021. A 1 lb. package traveling to Zone 8 will increase 9 cents, to $2.89 in 2021 compared to $2.80 in 2020.

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.

Categories: USPS News Tags:

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2020

May 4th, 2023 Comments off

USPS Holiday Shipping deadlines 2020

The USPS has announced the 2020 Holiday shipping deadlines to assure package delivery by December 24th.

For international packages, please be aware that some international carriers have experienced intermittent delays due to logistical challenges caused by COVID-19. As always, it is best to send your package as soon as possible to ensure timely delivery. For more information visit the Stamps.com Coronavirus Update Page.

Domestic Holiday Mail-By Deadlines

Alaska and Hawaii Holiday Mail-By Deadlines

Military Address (APO/FPO/DPO) Holiday Mail-By Deadlines

International Holiday Mail-By Deadlines

Categories: USPS News Tags:

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