USPS 2020 Temporary Rate Increases
IMPORTANT: USPS IS INITIATING A TEMPORARY RATE INCREASE FOR PACKAGES DURING THE 2020 HOLIDAY SEASON BETWEEN OCTOBER 18 AND DECEMBER 27TH. THESE INCREASES, OR SURCHARGES, ARE THE SAME FOR ALL WEIGHTS AND ACROSS ALL ZONES.
Shipping carriers routinely change their products and services and adjust rates. These changes typically happen at the start of the year. However, the USPS has announced a temporary rate increase on domestic, commercial rates from October 18 thru December 27, 2020, to help relieve the strain on resources brought about by COVID-19 and a busy holiday shipping season.
Retail prices and International rates will be unaffected.
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The USPS is implementing their temporary rate increases on October 18, 2020.
The United States Postal Service describes the rate changes in theirĀ official release.
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WHICH USPS SERVICES ARE IMPACTED:
In this guide, we'll help you navigate the changes to USPS services. There is a lot to cover, so we'll focus on the services supported by ShippingEasy.
The 2020 temporary rate changes impact the following mail classes and products - scroll down this page for details:
- First-Class Package Service, domesticĀ
- Priority Mail, domesticĀ
- Priority Mail Express, domesticĀ
- Parcel Select Ground, domestic
The USPS Temporary 2020 Holiday Rate Changes are:
First Class Package Service +$.25
All Priority Mail, including Flat Rate Boxes/Envelopes and Regional Rate Boxes +$.40
Priority Mail Express +$1.50
Parcel Select Ground +$.40
Parcel Select Lightweight +.24
These are our regular discounted 2020 USPS Postal Rates, as of January 26, 2020:
Most changes to USPS Postal Rate changes this year are incremental price increases. Major changes took effect last year, such as Zone Pricing and Dimensional Weight Pricing.
Internationally:
The Republic of Macedonia is now known as North Macedonia.
The Republic of South Sudan should have mail and packages addressed to South Sudan, with SS as their Country Code.
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Related: USPS Flat Rate Boxes & Pricing: eCommerce Businesses
What is Priority Mail Cubic?
Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.
Key Features:
- Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
- Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
- Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
- Insurance: $100 included for free
- Tracking: Free package tracking included
- Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates
USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers
Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
- Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
- Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
- Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
- Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
[Insert current rate table here]
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.