USPS shipping services price changes took effect Jan. 19.
The changes raise shipping services prices approximately 3.2 percent for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, 3.9 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 9.2 percent for Parcel Select.
Federal law divides USPS products into two categories: market-dominant and competitive.
The market-dominant category includes mailing services such as First-Class Mail, while the competitive category includes Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and commercial package services, such as Parcel Select.
Although mailing services price increases are based on the consumer price index, shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. According to the USPS governors, who approved the changes in the fall, these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the organization with needed revenue.
USPS will not raise mailing services prices in January.
As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, the shipping services price changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving the organization’s public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term