USPS is increasing shipping rates this year before the holidays, but they are extending the rates longer than we’ve seen before.
This is unfortunate for all hobby companies and fans out there as they normally reserve a rate hike for the first of the year, at least before COVID. Even last year, it wasn’t as bad as this time. It looks like this is the new trend, where the beginning of October will start the increase and not go back down until nearly the end of January.
The increases will occur from October 2, 2022, to January 22, 2023. Meaning any gifts or minis sent throughout the holidays will be more expensive, and free shipping will be a better deal than ever!
USPS Rates Increase Hitting Earlier & Longer Than Last Year
According to Stamps.com the following increases are coming.
The U.S. Postal Service proposed temporary rate adjustments for the 2022 peak season between October 2, 2022, and January 22, 2023. Similar to the previous years, these adjustments are meant to anticipate shipping demand during the holiday season and ensure successful handling of the high package volume. The temporary rates will impact specific mail classes for shippers – Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package Service and Parcel Select.
Listed below are the increases for both commercial rates and retail rates. As a Stamps.com customer, you can access commercial rates usually reserved for the larger shippers, regardless of your shipping volume.
The rate increase is pretty similar to last year, but last time they at least said it was due to increases on their end. Here’s what they have to say about this year’s increase:
Similar to the previous years, these adjustments are meant to anticipate shipping demand during the holiday season and ensure successful handling of the high package volume. The temporary rates will impact specific mail classes for shippers – Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package Service and Parcel Select.
Priority mail is also taking a somewhat small hit overall and the zones 5-9 compared to last year aren’t as bad. It does look like this will be the new trend instead of waiting until the first of the year, meaning all your holiday packages will cost more!
Do you always look for free shipping options?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Joined: 2019
Socials: @paschbass
Bio: Dark Eldar Dracon and Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the third edition in 1998. He also loves camping because you can only paint so much! He joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the main daily writer since 2020.
Maybe one day, he’ll finish converting all his Ad Mech models and turn into a true tech enjoyer, complete with sad and happy robot noises!
