Pricing & Classification DMM Advisory

Message board to keep postal customers informed of changes to mailing standards, services, and prices.

September 8, 2022

PRC Approves Temporary Rate Adjustments for 2022 Peak Holiday Season

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved a temporary price adjustment for key package products for the 2022 peak holiday season. This temporary rate adjustment is similar to ones in past years that help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season. The temporary rates will go into effect at 12 a.m. Central on Oct. 2 and remain in place until 12 a.m. Central Jan. 22, 2023.

The peak-season pricing approved by the PRC affects prices on the following commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select and USPS Retail Ground. International products will be unaffected.

This seasonal adjustment brings prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices. No structural changes are planned as part of this limited pricing initiative.

Delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence, calls for appropriate pricing initiatives. The Postal Service has some of the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer great values in shipping. These temporary rates will keep USPS competitive while providing the agency with the revenue to cover extra costs in anticipation of peak-season volume.

The approved price changes include:

Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express:

  • Commercial:
    • $0.75 increase for PM and PME Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes.
    • $0.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.80 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.75 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
    • $2.80 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
    • $3.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
    • $6.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.
  • Retail:
    • $0.95 increase for PM and PME Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes.
    • $0.30 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
    • $1.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
    • $3.20 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
    • $3.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
    • $6.45 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, and USPS Retail Ground:

  • Commercial:
    • $0.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.40 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.75 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
    • $1.60 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
    • $3.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
    • $5.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.
  • Retail:
    • $0.30 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.60 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
    • $0.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
    • $2.70 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
    • $3.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
    • $5.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Product

Current

Planned

Parcel Select Destination Delivery Unit (DDU)

Starts at $3.50

25 Cents

Parcel Select DSCF

Starts at $3.77

75 Cents

Parcel Select DNDC

Starts at $4.84

75 Cents

USPS Connect Local

Starts at $3.95

No Change

Parcel Select Lightweight (DDU)

Starts at $2.32

No Change

Parcel Select Lightweight (DSCF DNDC)

Starts at $2.72

No Change

Parcel Return Service

Starts at $3.37

No Change

A full list of commercial and retail pricing can be found on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm

The final order approving the temporary rate adjustment can be found here: https://www.prc.gov/dockets/doclist/CP2022-99/Orders_Responses-to-Orders/