https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/102665141
Have you mailed anything through the United States Postal Service lately? You may have noticed that your total was a bit higher than normal and you would be correct.
We realize that the rate increases and other changes went into effect more than a month ago (May 31, 2015) but we thought it would be good to revisit those increases to help customers better plan for their shipping and mail service needs.
Here’s an overview of the changes (but not all of them):
- Metered mail rate for 1oz First-Class Letter increases to $0.485 (from $0.48)
- Adult Signature Services expanded to include First Class Packages and Parcel Select Lightweight
- Introducing new zone-based pricing for Priority Mail International packages going to Canada (seven pricing zones or sub-country groups)
- Shippers must now include an Intelligent Mail Package Barcode tracking label when sending First Class Package Service, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Parcel Select
- Additional ounces to First Class Mail Letters (more than 1oz), First Class Mail Flats and Large Envelopes increased by one cent to 22 cents per ounce
- Postcard rates increased by one cent to $0.35
We believe that these almost annual rate increases will push consumers to seek other shipping alternatives, especially if they don’t need to use metered mail.
While the USPS raised its rates, we do see how people can hand over their mail without fear of it not reaching their destination and that takes a long time to build that trust. We’re hardly as old as the Postal Service, but hope we’ve established that same trust of delivering items on time, to the right place, and in good condition.
Need a package or documents delivered? We can help with that!