The USPS® Proposes Rate Change for January 26, 2020
On October 9, 2019, the USPS® filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Committee (PRC) to change the prices of shipping services such as Priority Mail®, Priority Mail Express® and First-Class Package Service. If approved, these changes will take effect on January 26, 2020.
A big takeaway is that the First Class Mail® rates are staying the same with stamps still costing 55 cents. In addition, postage meters will continue to save 5 cents, or 9% over stamps.
This rate change for shipping products is timed similar to UPS® and FedEx® that historically adjust prices each January. On January 6, 2020, FedEx will raise prices an average of 4.9%.
The Postal Service continues to offer a great value in shipping. Unlike some other shippers, the Postal Service does not add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday or holiday season delivery.
Outlined below are highlights you can expect for the upcoming January 2020 rate change.
First-Class Mail® Rates will remain unchanged
| Product | Current | Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letters with stamps (1 oz.) | 55 cents | 55 cents | 0% |
| Letters – metered (1 oz.) | 50 cents | 50 cents | 0% |
| Large Envelopes (1 oz.) | $1.00 | $1.00 | 0% |
| Additional ounces (up to 13 oz.) | 15 cents | 15 cents | 0% |
| Domestic Postcards | 35 cents | 35 cents | 0% |
Priority Mail® Rates to increase by 4.1% while Flat Rate products increase from 4.9% to 6.2%
The proposed domestic Priority Mail® Flat Rate Retail price changes are:
| Product | Current | Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Flat-Rate Box | $7.90 | $8.30 | 5.1% |
| Medium Flat-Rate Box | $14.35 | $15.05 | 4.9% |
| Large Flat-Rate Box | $19.95 | $21.10 | 5.8% |
| APO/FPO Large Flat-Rate Box | $18.45 | $19.60 | 6.2% |
| Regular Flat-Rate Envelope | $7.35 | $7.75 | 5.4% |
| Legal Flat-Rate Envelope | $7.65 | $8.05 | 5.2% |
| Padded Flat-Rate Envelope | $8.00 | $8.40 | 5.0% |
Priority Mail Express® Rates to increase by 3.5%
The proposed domestic Priority Mail Express® Flat Rate Retail price changes are:
| Product | Current | Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $22.68 | $26.35 | 16.2% |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $22.80 | $26.50 | 16.2% |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $23.18 | $26.95 | 16.3% |
FP will continue to provide updates as soon as they are released by the USPS®. To access the most updated rate change information, visit FP’s Rate Change Page.
Other Sources:
Amanda Fletcher
Amanda Fletcher is the Manager of Marketing and Communications at FP Mailing Solutions. She has been in the mailing industry with FP for over 6 years. She is passionate about good pizza, running and quality family time.
