USPS® Rate Change
New USPS prices take effect May 12, 2008
Mailing Services
The U.S. Postal Service has adjusted prices for mailing services, including First-Class
Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services.
- The price for one-ounce First-Class stamps will increase from 41 to 42 cents
- No change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce price.
- Lower additional-ounce price for presorted First-Class Mail letters.
- Lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats.
Last year, the USPS introduced rules under which rates were based on the size and shape of a mailpiece.
With the 2008 price increase, these differences are even more dramatic.
Shipping Services
In an effort to make pricing more attractive to shippers, the USPS has announced several changes. Highlights include:
- Express Mail® is switching to zone-based pricing and customers will pay less
for nearby destinations. Additional discounts will be offered for those who
qualify for Corporate Account pricing and volume incentives.
- Priority Mail® will offer savings for customers who use electronic postage or meet other requirements.
- Parcel Select® will feature pricing and volume incentives for large- and medium-size shippers.
A new approach to USPS price increases.
Under rules established by the
Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, price increases for most services
are limited to the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The
Postal Service no longer needs to file a “rate case”; instead they must publish
new pricing at least 45 days in advance. There is still regulatory oversight, and
the Postal Regulatory Commission provides the public with 20 days to comment on
whether the proposed pricing is consistent with statutory requirements. The first
of what is expected to be an annual price change takes effect May 12, 2008.