Every year the U.S. Postal Service announces proposed pricing and service updates for the following calendar year—and it’s that time of year again. 2021 USPS mailing and shipping rates will go into effect January 24, 2021. If you are and Endicia customer, these rate changes will automatically be applied to your account the day they go into effect.
Below is a summary of the USPS rate changes for 2021:
Domestic Shipping Rates
- Priority Mail Express Commercial Base Pricing rates on average will increase by 2.5% in 2021. Rates for Priority Mail Express will start at $22.75 (no change from 2020).
- Priority Mail Commercial Base Pricing rates on average will increase by 3.6% in 2021. The starting rate for Priority Mail will increase $0.14 to $7.16.
- First-Class Package Service Commercial Base Pricing rates on average will increase by 6.5% in 2021. Rates will start at $3.01, a $0.25 increase from the previous year.
- Parcel Select Ground Commercial Base Pricing rates on average will increase by 1.3% in 2021. The starting rate for Parcel Select Ground will increase to $7.10 from $6.92 in 2020.
- Media Mail Commercial Base Pricing rates on average will increase by 3.6% in 2021. Rates will start at $2.89 (previously $2.80).
International Shipping Rates
- Priority Mail Express International on average will increase by 3.6% in 2021. The starting rate of Priority Mail Express International will not change.
- Priority Mail International on average will increase by 5.1% in 2021. Starting rates will start at $35.72, an increase of $1.19.
- First-Class Package International Service on average will increase by 4.8% in 2021. Rates will start at $13.54 (previously $11.64).
Additional Shipping Changes
- A surcharge of $100 will be added for packages that exceed 70 lbs. or 130 inches in combined length and girth.
- The number of international zones (country groups) has increased to 20.
Mailing Rates
| INCREASE PER LETTER - 2021 Rates vs. 2020 Rates | |||
| Mailpiece Weight | 2021 | 2020 | Increase |
| 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 |