Post office raising prices up to $16 a package, announces important deadlines

The U.S. Postal Service instituted a temporary price increase for the busiest shipping time of the year to "help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season." The price increases, which started Oct. 6, will remain in effect through midnight on Jan. 19, 2025 and covers USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

Price increases range from 30 cents to $16 based on weight of the package, whether it is retail or commercial and its "zone," the classification used to determine how far the package has to travel. Stamp prices will remain the same.

You can go to the website below to see the price increase for each breakdown.

https://www.al.com/news/2024/09/postal-service-raising-prices-right-before-holidays-how-much-more-will-you-pay.html

Shipping deadlines

USPS recently announced recommended mailing and shipping dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.

2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States:

USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18

First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21

2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:

USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16

First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20

For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.