The rates in this blog are the 2021 USPS shipping rates. For the current 2022 USPS rates, see our 2022 USPS Shipping Rate Changes: Flat Rate, Priority, First Class, Blog with tables.
In this article, we break down all 2021 First Class shipping rates using USPS Commercial Rates, which sellers can get through shipping software like ShippingEasy. We also provide a full breakdown of the 2021 USPS shipping rate changes here.
One of the most significant changes to USPS shipping rates for 2019 was a revision to how First Class shipping rates were calculated. what has typically been the cheapest way to ship packages under £1 saw an average cost increase of 11.9%. this is primarily due to the transition from a flat cost regardless of domestic destination to zone-based tiers, the way priority mail was calculated.
learn more about usps zones with our blog!
We wrote a breakdown of how this played out in 2019 and what exactly it meant for online sellers shipping using a premium parcel service. But here, we’ll cover everything that’s changed in 2021 for USPS First Class Parcel Service shipping rates.
how are first class shipping rates calculated for 2021?
USPS First Class Package Service is (still) the most cost-effective shipping method for packages weighing less than 1 pound. you can use your own boxes or padded envelopes. Before the 2019 revision, all you needed to know was the weight of your package and you could ship anywhere in the country relatively cheaply, especially when compared to other methods.
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with the 2019 changes to usps first class shipping rates, destination was taken into account and postal costs changed greatly. We’ve updated our charts to show you the 2021 First Class package rates based on the most current model USPS uses.
Let’s look at a couple of specific examples to show how much USPS First Class package shipping rates have increased in 2021. As a percentage as a whole, First Class package rates saw the largest increase over USPS rates. from last year:
examples:
- 2020 usps first class package
- 6 oz. package, houston to miami = $3.31
- 6 ounces. package, houston to miami (zone 5) = $3.57 (+ $0.26)
- 11 oz. package, new york to los angeles = $4.46
- 11 oz. parcel, new york to los angeles (zone 8) = $4.68 (+$0.22)
If you’re an online seller with a predominantly local customer base, you may not notice significant changes in your shipping costs. however, those who ship nationwide and/or have packages close to 15,999 oz. weight limit on a regular basis you will need to budget for higher shipping costs for 2021 which could be a burden.
need to know: how to ship liquids with each carrier.
what about first class shipping rates for international flights?
First-class shipping rates are rising for international shipping, but they’re also undergoing structural change. In previous years, First Class Parcel International Service (FCPI) was divided into 9 price groups. In 2021, FCPIs is now divided into 20 different price groups.
Shipping costs represent a significant increase over last year, which will certainly affect smaller providers who ship a significant number of lightweight packages overseas.
Due to the extension of the groups to 20, we are not providing a chart of the rates for the international service of the first class package for 2021.
This rate change is certainly something that merchants shipping internationally will have to adjust to.
learn more about usps international shipping options!
Find out if international shipping is right for your business and how to make sure your international shipping labels meet all the requirements once you decide to add this feature.
what does this mean for ecommerce shippers in 2021?
Even with these increases in this class of mail, First Class Parcel Service will continue to be the most cost-effective shipping option for lightweight packages under 1 lb. online sellers will have to make adjustments, especially if you currently offer free shipping and just absorb the cost.
2021 USPS First Class Parcel Service shipping rate changes effective January 27, 2021. If you haven’t read our full rundown of the top USPS shipping rate changes in 2021, click the button below to learn everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to Priority Mail, highlights of general changes in rates and a review of dimensional weight structures (dim weight).
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