If you’re a fan of sending letters or postcards through the United States Postal Service (USPS), be prepared to dig a bit deeper into your pockets starting in 2024. The USPS has officially filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding proposed price changes for mailing services, set to take effect next year.
In a recent news release, the USPS announced that the proposed price hikes, which have received approval from the agency’s governors, would result in an approximate 2% increase in mailing services product prices. This includes a bump in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, which is poised to go from 66 cents to 68 cents.
Additionally, the USPS is seeking to adjust prices for various special services products, encompassing areas such as Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and the cost of purchasing insurance when mailing an item.
Fortunately, there will be no alterations to the additional-ounce price, which will remain at 24 cents.
These proposed changes are currently under review by the Postal Regulatory Commission. If they receive approval, they are scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2024.
Products Affected by USPS Price Hikes
Here is a breakdown of some of the products that would be impacted by the proposed USPS price changes, pending approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission:
- Letters (1 ounce): Current price of 66 cents, planned price of 68 cents.
- Letters (metered 1 ounce): Current price of 63 cents, planned price of 64 cents.
- Domestic postcards: Current price of 51 cents, planned price of 53 cents.
- International postcards: Current price of $1.50, planned price of $1.55.
- International letter (1 ounce): Current price of $1.50, planned price of $1.55.
According to the USPS news release, these price hikes are attributed to “inflationary pressures on operating expenses” and the lingering effects of a “previously defective pricing model.”
Uber’s New Package Delivery Feature
In related news, Uber has introduced a new feature called “Return a Package,” designed to offer convenience to users when returning online purchases. With this feature, Uber users can send up to five prepaid and sealed packages to a nearby post office, UPS, or FedEx for a flat fee of $5, or $3 for Uber One members. The service is accessible through both the Uber and Uber Eats apps and is available in nearly 5,000 cities.
This innovation comes at a time when many retailers are implementing stricter return policies with shorter timeframes. As per a National Retail Federation poll, nearly 80% of shoppers under 30 find mail returns somewhat or very annoying. Uber expects its “Return a Package” feature to provide significant value to consumers, addressing the challenges of returning items through the mail while making the process more convenient and efficient. Wendy Lee, director of delivery product management at Uber, anticipates that this new tool will be a game-changer for consumers seeking hassle-free returns.
