USPS rates increased in January 2016. Following an announcement that the United States Postal Service made on its website several months ago, prices for many of its services have increased. As of January 17, 2016, USPS increased its shipping rates by an overall average of 9.5%. While this increase does not impact letters, First-Class flats, Forever Stamps, or cards, it does impact popular services such as Priority Mail, First-Class Package Services and Priority Mail Express Flat Rate boxes.

Quick Facts About the Recent USPS Rate Increase:

  • The average shipping cost changes from $5.02 to $5.50.
  • Priority Mail, which is the most popular USPS packaging service, rises an average of 8%.
  • Priority Mail Express rises an average of 6%.
  • The maximum weight for a First-Class Package increases from 12.99 oz. to 15.99 oz.
  • First-Class Package Servicerises an average of 8%.
  • First-Class Packages under 8 oz. are a flat $2.60, which makes sending lightweight items more straightforward.
  • Standard Post is now called “Retail Ground”, with an average increase of 10%.
  • Click-N-Ship online label printing service will no longer use the Commercial Base Pricing
  • Priority Mail Express Flat Rate boxes are officially discontinued.

“The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund our operations,” the USPS’ announcement from this past fall explains. It states that this month’s price increase will be used to continue funding USPS infrastructure and supporting the daily operations that the American public has come to know and rely on.

For more details about USPS rates and services, you can refer to their website: https://www.usps.com/.