The United States Postal Service has proposed higher prices for its services creating an overall increase of 2.5% for its Mailing Services. If approved, the changes would take effect January 27, 2019. The notice of changes was filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Proposed Mailing Services price changes include:
| Product Letters (1 oz.) Letters additional ounces Letters (metered 1 oz.) Outbound International Letters (1 oz.) Domestic Postcards | Current 50 cents 21 cents 47 cents $1.15 35 cents | Proposed 55 cents 15 cents 50 cents $1.15 35 cents |
**Courtesy of Fedsmith.com
Proposed domestic Priority Mail Retail Flat Rate price changes are:
| Product Small Flat Rate Box Medium Flat Rate Box Large Flat Rate Box APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box Regular Flat Rate Envelope Legal Flat Rate Envelope Padded Flat Rate Envelope | Current $7.20 $13.65 $18.90 $17.40 $6.70 $7.00 $7.25 | Proposed $7.90 $14.35 $19.95 $18.45 $7.35 $7.65 $8.00 |
**Courtesy of Fedsmith.com
The proposed price hikes would raise Mailing Services product prices about 2.5%, but Shipping Services price increases vary by product. For example, Priority Mail Express will increase by 3.9% and Priority Mail will increase by 5.9%.
The one decrease shown above is for the single-piece additional ounce price which will be reduced to 15¢ from 21¢.
The Postal Services’ Mailing Services price increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whereas the Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions.
The Governors of the Postal Service approved the price increases and think these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with much-needed revenue. It still must be reviewed and approved by the PRC.
