The U.S. Postal Service has proposed an approximately 2.5 percent increase in mailing services product prices to take effect Jan. 27 if approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Postage for basic letters will increase from 50 cents to 55 cents, but the rate for additional ounces would be cut from 21 cents to 15 cents. Metered mail will increase from 47 cents to 50 cents. Rate increases on flat-rate boxes and envelopes range from 70 cents to $1.05, depending on the size of the package.
First-class package service, a lightweight expedited offering used primarily by businesses for fulfillment purposes, will move to zone-based pricing to better align with the cost of service and improve value based on distance.
Although mailing services price increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The new rates are designed to keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.
The Postal Service has some of the lowest letter mail postage rates in the industrialized world and also continues to offer a great value in shipping,” according to its press release. “Unlike some other shippers, the Postal Service does not add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday or holiday season delivery.
