All USPS 2013 price raises approved but one
As part of its plan to return to financial stability, the U.S. Postal Service submitted a new slate of price hikes for its products and services to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for approval.
The PRC recently approved the mail price increases, meaning sending mail will cost more next year, which makes cost-saving address verification software a huge asset to direct mail-sending businesses.
However, the PRC did take issue with the USPS' proposed standard mail flat prices, which it said "fails to satisfy" previous fiscal direction given to the USPS. The PRC has given the USPS 10 days make the requisite changes to standard mail flat prices and resubmit them, though there will be an opportunity for public comments.
In a 2010 order issued by the PRC, the regulatory body said the USPS needs to move toward 100 percent cost coverage for its services. However, the proposed standard mail flat rates would not accomplish enough to get the USPS to that level, which currently covers 83 percent of its costs.
The price increases that were approved and will go into effect on January 27, 2013 include: First-Class mail going from 45 cents to 46 cents; postcard prices raising from 32 cents to 33 cents; and a new International Forever Stamp offering that will cost $1.10.