2020 USPS Rate Changes Took Effect on January 26

Once a year, the United States Postal Service changes its mailing and shipping rates and files the changes to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The USPS filed the latest notice with the rate changes in October 2019. They took effect on January 26, 2020.

The new rates raised USPS shipping prices by approximately 1.9 percent. The price increases have affected some of the products and vary by product. They are based on the Consumer Price Index and adjusted according to perceived market conditions in order to provide the USPS with the revenue it needs while keeping it competitive.

Domestic First-Class Mail rates (letters, flats/large envelopes, postcards) remained unchanged. This is different from the past year, where First-Class Mail was affected by the rate increase. Priority Mail Express rates increased by 3.5%, Priority Mail rates increased by 4.1%, and Flat Rate products increased from 4.9% to 6.2%, depending on the product.

As for international shipping, Priority Mail Express International saw an average rate increase of 2.0%, Priority Mail International rates increased by 6.0%, and First Class Package International Service saw an average rate increase of 9.9%. The rate increase varies by shipping zone (destination country).

Overall, rates have increased for most products, weight and zones.