Postal Rate Increases Take Effect May 31

The Postal Regulatory Commission had previously rejected rate increases due to a perceived inequality between nonprofit and commercial mail rates. When reviewing USPS proposed rate increases, the PRC ensures that all changes are based on the Consumer Price Index as required by title 39. 

Along with the previously announced Earned Value Promotion (which ended April 30th), three other promotions were also approved by the PRC. This years additional promotions and discounts include a 2% discount for utilizing colorful printing, as well as discounts for increasing mobile engagement and using emerging technologies like Augmented Reality.

MAIL CLASSABSOLUTE CHANGEPERCENT CHANGE
Retail First-Class Letter (1 oz)Remains 49¢No change
Metered First-Class Letter (1 oz)From 48¢ to 48.5¢1.0%
First-Class PostcardFrom 34¢ to 35¢2.9%
FlatsVaries2.5%
First-Class PackagesVaries5.1%
Priority MailVariesNo changes

Mail Classes

MAIL CLASSCURRENT RATEPROPOSED RATE
First class letter stamp$0.49$0.49
First class letter metered$0.48$0.485
Additional ounces for first-class letters$0.21$0.22
First class postcard$0.34$0.35
Int’l. first class letter stamp$1.15$1.20
Int’l first-class postcard$1.15$1.20
Domestic Priority MailVariesNo changes
International Priority MailVariesAvg. 5.5% increase
First class flat (up to 1oz)$0.98$0.98
Additional ounces for first-class flats$0.21$0.22
First class packageVariesAvg. 5.1% increase

Extra Services

SERVICECURRENT RATEPROPOSED RATE
Tracking (except Std. Mail)Varies$0.00 (free with IMB and IMPB USPS Tracking)
Standard Mail Tracking$0.23$0.36
Electronic Certified Mail$1.30$1.35
Electronic Return Receipt$1.35$1.40
Retail Return Receipt$2.70$2.80
Electronic Signature Confirmation for packages$2.90$3.00
Retail Signature Confirmation for packages$2.35$2.45

Click Here for a copy of the Press Release from the Postal Regulatory Commission dated May 7th, 2015