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USPS Shipping Rate Increase
 

So this morning I was preparing labels online through paypal and notice the Shipping rate for Priority Mail has increased. International Priority rates increased over a $1.00 for the first pound!:mad: First Class mail stayed the same. Why didn't they notify us of the increase? Just when the economy is down and gas price is lower they want to raise the shipping cost. They should lower the Shipping cost is what I think not increase it. Just plain dumb I tell ya. Now I predict Ebay is gonna be next in line to raise their Fees and then Paypal.

BooMer

I found the Info about the rate change on the pitney bowes site. Expect more changes in May.

On January 18, 2009, new prices for USPS® Shipping Services will take effect. “Shipping Services” includes Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, Parcel Select®, Parcel Return Service, Bulk Parcel Post®, Bulk International Mail and Premium Forwarding Service.

Overall, the average increase is 5% but on average by class, prices increase as follows:

Priority Mail® 3.9%

Express Mail® 5.7%

Parcel Select® 5.9%

Parcel Return Service 5.3%

International Shipping 8.5%



In addition to the commercial pricing for Express Mail® and Priority Mail® that was introduced last year, the USPS® will have new Commercial “Plus” pricing for qualifying mailers. The Priority Mail® “Plus” pricing is 7% less than retail pricing and Express Mail® “Plus” pricing is 14.5% less than retail pricing! When a mailer or shipper considers the fact that the USPS doesn't add extra fees such as fuel surcharges or address correction charges to their prices, and with the Commercial and Plus pricing, USPS Shipping Services can be a great cost-saving alternative to other express and ground carriers!


The USPS® will also offer a new Small Priority Mail® Flat-Rate box which will probably be large enough to hold a VHS tape or a small book. The retail price is $4.95, the commercial price will be $4.80 and even less for “Plus” pricing. Remember, Priority Mail® packaging from the USPS® is free and be ordered online at usps.com!


Pricing for Mailing Services, including First-Class Mail® and Standard Mail® will be announced in February and take effect in May 2009. Stay tuned!

I noticed the spike in prices last night preparing labels as well.

I opted to use another carrier because of the huge increase. I can get better tracking services, support, and about the same delivery time for less.