WASHINGTON - The United States Postal Service filed notice today with the Postal Regulatory
Commission (PRC) regarding a temporary price adjustment for key package products for the 2021 peak
holiday season. This temporary rate adjustment is similar to one in 2020 that anticipated heightened
peak-season package and shipping demand, which typically results in extra handling costs.
The planned peak-season pricing, which was approved by the Governors of the Postal Service on Aug.
5, would affect prices on commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels – Priority Mail Express
(PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select, USPS Retail Ground, and
Parcel Return Service. International products would be unaffected. The temporary rates would go into
effect at 12:00 a.m., Central Time, on Oct. 3, 2021, and remain in place until 12:00 a.m., Central Time,
Dec. 26, 2021.
This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line
with competitive practices. No structural changes are planned as part of this limited pricing initiative.
“Delivering for America,” the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and
service excellence, calls for appropriate pricing initiatives. The Postal Service has some of the lowest
mail postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer great value in shipping. These
temporary rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with the revenue to
cover extra costs in anticipation of peak-season volume surges similar to levels experienced in 2020. The
forecasted additional revenue from the time-limited increase will depend on the volume of packages
shipped between Oct. 3 and Dec. 26, 2021 – the period the Postal Service historically considers its
holiday peak season.
Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Parcel Select Ground, and USPS Retail Ground
- $0.75 increase for PM and PME Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes.
- $0.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
- $0.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
- $1.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-20 lbs.
- $3.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-20lbs.
- $2.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 21-70 lbs.
- $5.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 21-70 lbs.
Additional Products:
Download the USPS Announcement.
