The USPS has stated that it would be filing an above-inflation price change on May 28, 2021. If the USPS Files for a price change on May 29, it would need to give 90 days notice before implementing the new prices, which means an implementation date of August 28.
The PRC determined that for a next price change in 2021, the USPS will have 5.562% additional rate authority, not including a partial year’s worth of CPI, and an additional 2% rate authority for “underwater” products (products where the price is not covering the USPS’ costs). That means that the USPS could increase prices 6.8% (8.8% for underwater products). For 2021, underwater products include Marketing Mail Carrier Route, Flats and Parcels.
Note that this is the maximum percent of price increase USPS could request – or it could request a lower amount and “bank” a portion of the additional rate authority for use in a future price change. Also keep in mind that the percentage increase is applied at the mail class level, which means specific categories within a mail class could receive a larger or smaller percent increase.
We will continue to provide updated information and prices as they are approved.
Please contact your TC Delivers Representative with any questions