The U.S. Postal Service has proposed new 2013 shipping rates that are expected to start on Sunday, January 27, 2013 pending Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approval.
Domestic Mail – Changes for 2013
First Class Letters – Letters (1 oz.): 1 cent increase to $0.46 cents from $0.45 cents
Postcards: 1 cent increase to $0.33 cents from $0.32 cents
Express Mail: USPS retail rates (Post Office) for Express Mail will increase an average of 5.9% in 2013
Priority Mail: Priority Mail retail prices will increase an average of 6.3% in 2013. Commercial Base pricing (online discounted rates) will only be increasing 3.7%
First Class Package Service: USPS retail rates for First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 3.0% in 2013
Parcel Post (renamed Standard Post): Prices for Standard Post will increase an average of 6.3%
Parcel Select: Prices for Parcel Select will increase an average of 9.0%
Certified Mail: Prices for Certified Mail will increase by 5.1%
Other Changes for 2013:
- First Class Mail Global Forever Stamp (1 oz.) is being introduced. Service will provide letter delivery worldwide for $1.10
- Parcel Post being renamed Standard Post, and now will include FREE package tracking and delivery information.
- First Class Mail International is being renamed First Class Package Service International and is being transferred to the “competitive product list” which allows the mail class to be eligible for Commercial Base pricing (online rate discounts). 2013 rates are seeing a significant increase, with rates increasing as much as 60% for packages that weigh up to 1 lb.
- Free Flat Rate packaging supplies will now be eligible for faster delivery by paying an expedited service fee of $2.50
- Creation of a USPS Mail Services Promotions Calendar. Building on previous barcode and mobile commerce promotions, the USPS has developed a full year of promotions including mobile coupon delivery, a click-to-call program, and discounted rates for product sampling along with others that run throughout 2013.
Download the proposed 2013 USPS postage rates directly from the USPS site.
Stamps.com Will Automatically Include New Rates on January 27, 2013
Stamps.com makes it easy to prepare for the postal rate change by automatically applying these new prices starting on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Additionally, Stamps.com customers will continue to receive Commercial Base pricing discounts to help lower your shipping costs in 2013.
