USPS Announces New Shipping Rates for 2012

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new 2012 shipping rates that are expected to start on January 22, 2012.   The average increase for all shipping classes is 4.6%.  Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx have already announced price increases for 2012.  UPS announced last week they are increasing prices on ground and air shipments by an average of 4.9%.  In September, FedEx announced it would increase rates by an average of 5.9%. 

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) must review and approve the new rates before they become effective January 22, 2012.  This is the same day the new USPS mailing service prices will take effect. 

New USPS Shipping Products for 2012

• A new, larger Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C will be introduced that will hold up to 25 pounds.  Box size is expected to be 12” x 12” x 15”.
• A new Express Mail Flat Rate Box will be introduced that holds up to 70 pounds.  Cost will be  $39.95 for domestic mailings.
• Package Intercept will be introduced for commercial mailers.  Customers can request mail be intercepted before final delivery is attempted to the initial delivery address. The shipment can be returned to sender, held for pick up at a Post Office, or redirected to an alternate address.
• First Class Package Service (aka First Class Parcels) will now include the Intelligent Mail package barcode and will provide free visibility to these parcels.

Priority Mail
Priority Mail retail (Post Office) prices will increase an average of 3.1% in 2012. 

Express Mail
USPS retail rates for Express Mail will increase an average of 3.3% in 2012. 

Parcel Select
Prices for Parcel Select, the U.S. Postal Service’s bulk ground shipping product, will increase an average of 8.5%.

First Class Package Service (formerly known as First Class Parcels)
First Class Parcels were recently transferred to the “competitive product list” which allows the mail class to be eligible for Commercial Base pricing. The mail class was renamed First Class Package Service and will see an average increase of 3.7% in 2012.

International Mail
The overall increase for Priority Mail International will be 8.7%. 

Express Mail International will increase by 11.6% and will introduce a two new Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes with a maximum weight of 20 pounds.  Customers will pay a flat rate of $59.95 to Canada and $74.95 for all other countries. 

Global Express Guaranteed prices will rise by 6.0%.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Include New Rates on January 22, 2012
Stamps.com makes it easy to prepare for the postal rate change by automatically applying these new prices starting on January 22, 2012.  Additionally, Stamps.com customers will continue to receive Commercial Base pricing discounts to help lower your shipping costs in 2012.