Commercial parcel rates going up for the peak holiday season

The United States Postal Service will temporarily raise prices on commercial parcels starting Oct. 18 and lasting until 12:00 AM (Central) Dec. 27.

The price hikes, which are pending review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, would raise prices on commercial domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select, and Parcel Return Service. The temporary hikes are in response to increased expenses and heightened demand for online shopping package volume due to the pandemic and expected holiday e-commerce, according to the agency. Retail prices and international prices will not be affected.

“This time-limited adjustment will increase prices for our commercial customers in line with competitive practices without impacting customers at the retail level,” the USPS said in a statement. “In doing this, the Postal Service is protecting the retail consumer during a vulnerable economic period while increasing prices on commercial volume during heightened volume levels.”

Parcel rates will increase by at least 24 cents, starting with Parcel Select Destination Delivery Unit (DDU), Parcel Return Service and Parcel Select Lightweight. The highest increase, $1.50, is for Priority Mail Express Commercial.

To see a table detailing the price increases, click here.