The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the Consumer Price Index Rate Case for raising prices by 1.6 percent. In addition, the PRC approved the Exigency case by an additional 4.3 percent for a total increase of 5.9 percent and will take effect on Jan. 26.

Highlights of the new rates are as follows:

Domestic rates

• First-class letters, retail – 49 cents/up to 1 oz. (currently 46 cents)
• Each Additional ounce:  21 cents (currently 20 cents)
• Non-machinable surcharge, letters only – 21 cents (currently 20 cents) Non-machinable surcharge applies to letters that are square, uneven.
• Postcards – 34 cents (currently 33 cents)
• Large envelopes (flats)
• Up to 1 oz. – 98 cents (currently 92 cents)
• Each Additional ounce: 21 cents (currently 20 cents)

Priority mail – retail

• Flat Rate Envelopes – $ 5.60
• Legal Flat Rate Envelope – $ 5.75
• Padded Flat Rate Envelope – $ 5.95
• Small Flat Rate Box – $ 5.80
• Medium Flat Rate Boxes – $12.35
  
• Large Flat Rate Boxes – $17.45
  
• APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box – $15.45
  

International rates

• Letters up to 1 oz. - $1.15 (currently 1.10)
• Non-machinable surcharge, letters only –  21 cents
• Postcards - $1.15 (currently $1.10)

To see all the new rates go to http://pe.usps.gov

For questions please contact Doug Norwood, PMC Solutions-Mail, 575-5649.