USPS announces temporary increase in prices

The U.S. Postal Service will temporarily increase its prices due to an increase in demand for packaged items during the coronavirus pandemic.

USPS specifically identified “increased expenses and heightened demand for online shopping package volume” as factors that led to the price adjustments. It’s also anticipating an increased volume of items purchased online and shipped during the upcoming holiday seasons.

The agency said the price increase will go into effect beginning Oct. 18 and will last through Dec. 27, 2020.

All commercial domestic competitive packages will cost more to ship, including items that are shipped via Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select and Parcel Return Service.

The postal service said it will keep prices competitive for commercial customers without impacting customers on the retail level during what it called “a vulnerable economic period.”

Price increases range from 24 cents to $1.50.

In a press release Friday, USPS reminded customers that it does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

International products will be unaffected price-wise.

Read more at USPS.com.

Cox Media Group