USPS 2017 Rate Changes

Last fall, we provided a summary of 2017 rate changes for USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

On January 22nd, the new 2017 USPS rates will take effect. Below are detailed breakdowns for each service level.

For 2017, the USPS will only be updating shipping rates to their domestic services, keeping international rates the same. We’ve outlined the changes below, at the lowest commercial tier pricing for each: Commercial Base Pricing (CBP) for First Class Package Services and Commercial Plus Pricing (CPP) for Priority Mail services. We provide CBP pricing for First Class for all Shippo users and up to CPP for Priority Mail based on your monthly shipping volume. 

First Class Package Service 

Even with 2017 price increases, First Class Package Service continues to be the cheapest way to send shipments below 1 lb. The most significant price increases are for packages greater than 10 oz.

Priority Mail 

Priority Mail continues to be one of the most popular service levels with it’s reliable and affordable service. We saw a variety of different rate increases across almost all zones and weights. Sample rates below:

Below we averaged out the increase in cost (displayed above) from 0.5 – 10 lbs. grouped across Zones 0 – 4, and also Zones 5 – 8 for your reference. As you can see, the rates for packages weighing between 3 – 6 lbs. stayed steady year over year. Whereas, the cost for shipping both lighter and heavier packages increases.

Priority Mail Flat Rate Program

The Priority Mail Flat Rate Program is one of the most cost effective way to send heavy shipments across the country – specifically beneficial for Zones 5 – 8. Each package costs the same for up to 20 lbs. going to any zones, provided you use USPS Flat Rate packaging (which can be ordered for free on the USPS website).

Compared to 2016, there are two notable changes for the Flat Rate Program:

• $0.30 difference between Flat Rate Envelopes and Legal Flat Rate Envelope (in 2016, they cost the same)
• $0.05 difference between Padded Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes (in 2016, they cost the same)

Regional Rate boxes are similar to Flat Rate boxes. You can fill a USPS Regional Rate box up to a certain weight (different per box), and ship for a flat rate. These boxes are good if you have a lower weight shipment and for shipping to specific zones. Sample 2017 rates:

Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail Express is the guaranteed service level provided by the USPS. The rate increase for PME is:

• 2.5% for 0.5 – 10 lbs. shipments – all zones
• 1% for 11 – 20 lbs. shipments – all zones

These are just a few highlights from 2017’s rate change. For complete details, click here.

At Shippo, we aim to share with you the best services, best rates, and compare these for each of your shipments — this applies to USPS, FedEx, DHL, and even same-day delivery services like UberRUSH.

To see available rates for your business, sign up for free and create a sample shipment. We look forward to helping your business succeed through shipping in 2017 and beyond.

Shippo is a multi-carrier API and web app that helps retailers, marketplaces and platforms connect to a global network of carriers. Businesses use Shippo to get real-time rates, print labels, automate international paperwork, track packages and facilitate returns. Shippo provides the tools to help businesses succeed through shipping.