USPS prices will change due to coronavirus

As the novel coronavirus has caused an increase in demand for mail delivery, the United States Postal Service will be raising its prices temporarily to meet heightened demand as well as increased expenses.

A statement from the U.S. Postal Service indicates that these increases will take place at Midnight on Oct. 18, 2020 and remain in effect until Dec. 27, 2020. The rate increase will apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select and Parcel Return Service.

“This time-limited adjustment will increase prices for our commercial customers in line with competitive practices without impacting customers at the retail level,” the U.S. Postal Service statement read. “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.”

“No structural changes are planned as part of this limited time pricing initiative, allowing customers the greatest ease in implementing the new prices with minimal complexity.”

Increases range from $0.24 to $1.50 depending on the service chosen.