USPS Service and Price Changes Go Into Effect Aug. 28
The United States Postal Service® plans to implement a trio of changes to its products and services on Aug. 28, 2016. Here are the details about what’s changing and why:
First-Class Mail Parcel Rate Increase
Effective Aug. 28, USPS® will increase the Retail Rate (Post Office) for First-Class Mail® Parcel packages weighing 1-3 ounces from $2.45 to $2.62.
Since Jan. 17, 2016, ShipWorks has offered customers the lower First-Class Mail Parcel Retail Rate of $2.45 for packages weighing 1-3 ounces. This price was 15 cents lower than the First-Class Package Service® Commercial Base rate.
With the Retail Rate being increased to $2.62, ShipWorks will now offer the First-Class Package Service Commercial Base rate of $2.60, which is still discounted and two cents cheaper than the First-Class Mail Parcel Retail rate.
| USPS Price Change Date | Retail Rate (Post Office) | Commercial Base Rate | ShipWorks Customers Paid |
| January 17, 2016 | $2.45 | $2.60 | $2.45 |
| August 28, 2016 | $2.62 | $2.60 | $2.60 |
We’ll automatically update the new rates into our software—there’s nothing you need to do to receive the new low rate of $2.60 as of Aug. 28.
Priority Mail International® Flat Rate Envelope and Small Flat Rate Box Changes
Also going into effect Aug. 28, USPS moves Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes from the letter post stream to the air parcel stream. Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes will still be limited to a maximum weight of 4 pounds, but will now have access to features, such as tracking and insurance, currently available to all other Priority Mail International items.
Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes will now also be required to carry a PS Form 2976-A Customs Form. Learn more about the changes here.
Priority Mail Express International Service to Cuba Available
The third change going into effect on Aug. 28 is that Priority Mail Express International service to Cuba will become available, for Flat Rate Envelopes up to 4 pounds and parcels up to 22 pounds. First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International are currently available to Cuba. Customers can print postage for these approved mail classes and types to Cuba easily using ShipWorks. Learn more here.
As with any shipping carrier changes, the service and price changes USPS implements on Aug. 28 serve as a great opportunity to review your shipping strategy to ensure you’re getting the best possible rates.