Sheridan Magazine Services: News Releases

USPS Announces Increases for '08

February 12, 2008 — The USPS announced yesterday that prices for mailing services will be adjusted on May 12, with the average increase within a single class of mail coming in at or below the rate of inflation.

With the price cap at 2.9% as of 1/16/08, experts in the mailing community had been predicting an increase of approximately 3% within each class of mail. Although there was some concern about potential extremes within this average, ULI's Mail Services Manager Hugh Tolson says that prediction seems to have been on target.

"In the limited, random tests we've run since the increase was announced late yesterday, I've seen increases of 2.6% to 3.1% for periodicals, and .5% to 2.2% for standard-mail customers," he says. "It looks as though budgeting for an average increase of 3% now seems to be a safe bet. But your mileage may vary."

Consistent with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, the USPS will adjust prices for mailing services each May. By law, these prices can increase (on average) no more than the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

The USPS has promised to provide 90 days' notice of the new prices each year to help mailers prepare for the change.

Get more information on other postal developments here.