Another big postal service change coming in January
Shipping via the U.S. Postal Service will cost more in the new year.
USPS filed a notice this week with the Postal Regulatory Commission it will raise prices for shopping services starting Jan. 21. The mail service had previously announced stamp prices would increase on that day, rising from 66 cents to 68 cents for Forever Stamps.
“The Postal Service continues to offer a great value in shipping. Unlike some other shippers, the Postal Service has upfront pricing and does not add surcharges for residential and regular Saturday delivery or fuel. Also, the Postal Service offers convenient flat rate and cubic pricing options,” USPS said in a statement.
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Upcoming price changes include:
- USPS Ground Advantage – 5.4% rate increase
- Priority Mail – 5.7% rate increase
- Priority Mail Express – 5.9% rate increase
- Parcel Select – 5.9% rate increase
- Connect Local – None, price stays the same. Connect Local is USPS same-day and next-day local delivery service.
Other price hikes are in store for Post Office Box rental fees and some international mail services, including Registered Mail and International Mail insurance.
The price changes will be reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission but are expected to be approved amid continuing losses by USPS. For fiscal year 2023, which ended Sept. 30, USPS reported a net loss of $6.5 billion, due in part to inflationary pressures and a drop in shipping and mail volumes.