Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a series of price increases for next year. Shipping services will increase an average 4.6 percent, Priority Mail will increase an average 3.1 percent, and Express Mail prices will increase an average 3.3 percent on January 22, 2012, pending a review by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
The price increases are the result of a plan, endorsed by President Obama, that allows the USPS more control over its operations in order to try and keep the service afloat. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe had requested the ability to set prices and make changes to the organization without the approval on Congress.
New domestic retail pricing for Priority Mail Flat Rate products include:
- Small box - $5.35
- Medium box - $11.35
- Large box - $15.45
- Large APO/FPO/DPO box - $13.45
- Regular envelope - $5.15
- Legal-size and Padded envelope - $5.30
Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes will see their price increase to $18.95, and the postal service also introduced a new Express Mail Flat Rate box, at a price of $39.95.
"Prices will also be adjusted for other Shipping Services products and services, including Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, International Mail, Premium Forwarding Service and Post Office Box Service," the USPS stated in a release.
To learn more about the postal service price increases, visit the United States Postal Service's website.
Related story: USPS Ends Fiscal Year With $5.1 Billion Loss
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.