The US Postal Service has announced several rate increases to its First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services. The increases will take effect on May 12.
In the Standard Mail category, parcels and not-flat machinables will see the largest percentage cost increase, at 9.66%. Standard Mail letters will increase by 3.39%; flats by 0.86%; high density and saturation letters by 1.66%; high density and saturation flats and parcels by 2.09% and carrier route letters, flats and parcels by 2.99%.
The agency announced a 1-cent increase to one-ounce and two-ounce First-Class Mail stamps and postcards. Large Envelopes (2 oz.) will increase from 97 cents to $1, while Certified Mail services will increase from $2.65 to $2.70.
Overall, the average increase per category does not exceed the Consumer Price Index, which is mandated by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. First-Class mail will increase by 2.889%, Standard Mail by 2.875%, Periodicals by 2.710%, Package Services by 2.876% and Special Services by 2.848%.
New prices for shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, will be announced in March, according to the agency. Under the new law, rates can increase each year and the USPS plans to provide 90 days’ notice before the changes. Access prices for all postal products are at www.usps.com/prices.
