The US Postal Service is raising rates for the holidays - CNN

Aug 11, 2022

The USPS said in a statement the temporary rate adjustments are "similar to ones in past years that help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season."

The price increases, which will range from 25 cents to upwards of $6 per package, would go into effect on October 2, 2022 and last through January 22, 2023 for individuals and businesses on mailings that include Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and First-Class Package Service.

"These temporary rates will keep USPS competitive while providing the agency with the revenue to cover extra costs in anticipation of peak-season volume," it said.

The Postal Regulatory Commission still has to approve the higher rates.

The USPS enacted similar temporary price increases In 2020 and 2021 because of heightened demand and extra shipping costs.

Last month, the cost of a US postage stamp increased by 2 cents, raising the cost of mailing a first-class letter by 3.4%, to 60 cents.

A price hike that modest seems almost quaint given that overall consumer prices are up 9.1% year over year, the fastest pace in 40 years.

Parcels and packages are where the Postal Service is really making its money today.