The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a postage rate increase for select mail classes and services in 2016, pending approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). If approved by the PRC, the new postage rates will start on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Below are some highlights on the upcoming rate changes:
Priority Mail Express
The Priority Mail Express service will see an average increase of 15.6% in postage rates next year. 2016 Commercial Base rates for your Priority Mail Express packages will increase across the board, with the exception of packages weighing less than 0.5 lbs being shipped to Zones 5, 6 and 7.
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
In 2016, Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes will see an increase of $2.55. Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes will be discontinued next year.
Priority Mail
Priority Mail rates will see an average increase of 9.4% in 2016.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
Postage rates for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes as well as Envelopes will increase across the board in 2016.
Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
Postage for Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes A and B will be increasing for a large majority of the zones as shown below. Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C will be discontinued in 2016.
First Class Package Service
First Class Package Service rates will see an average increase of 12.8% in 2016. The maximum weight for First Class Package Service Commercial Base pricing will be increased from up to 13 ounces to up to 16 ounces. First Class Package Service Commercial Plus pricing will no longer exist in 2016.
Parcel Select Ground
Currently known as Parcel Select Nonpresort, this ground service will undergo a name change in 2016 and will be referred to as Parcel Select Ground next year. Parcel Select Ground rates will see an average increase of 1.9% in 2016. Postage prices will actually go down for packages weighing between 3 – 10 lbs. and being shipped to Zones 1 – 5.
International Shipping
International shippers will also see an increase in postage rates starting January 17, 2016. Below are some highlights on the upcoming rate changes for international mail classes:
Global Express Guaranteed postage rates are expected to rise by an average of 7.1%.
Priority Mail Express International postage rates will increase by an average of 11.6% next year. Flat Rate Boxes for this international service will be discontinued in 2016. In addition, prices for Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes will be further separated into additional country groups.
Priority Mail International postage rates will see an overall increase of 10.2% in 2016. Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing for this service will be the same next year.
First Class Package International Service postage rates will increase by an average of 21.6% in 2016, however Commercial Base and Plus prices will remain the same next year. The average price increases by pound are:
– Up to 1 lb. – Average Increase of $5.17
– Up to 2 lbs. – Average Increase of ($1.77)
– Up to 3 lbs. – Average Increase of $1.63
– Up to 4 lbs. – Average Increase of $11.58
Additional Changes
Below are details on additional changes that will be implemented next year:
Critical Mail: In order to further simplify its product offerings, the U.S. Postal Service will discontinue the Critical Mail service in 2016 once the new rates are implemented in January.
Click-N-Ship Features: Available on USPS.com, these features will move to retail pricing once the new rates are implemented in January 2016. Commercial Base pricing for these features will no longer be available.
Stamps.com Will Automatically Update to the New USPS Rates on January 17, 2016
Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 17, 2016. If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will see the new USPS rates automatically.
