USPS issued the following press release:
The Board of Governors has approved two new initiatives to grow our shipping business and revenue. A new, larger Priority Mail Flat Rate Box enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current box. It will be offered at a discount to overseas military addresses — a postal first for the armed forces. USPS also announced a new Sunday and holiday delivery price for Express Mail. Customers can begin using the new boxes March 3, the same day the premium takes effect.
The Postal Service filed notification of these decisions today with the Postal Regulatory Commission. They’re the first actions under the new pricing regulations set forth under the Postal Act of 2006. Public notice is being submitted for publication in the Federal Register.
New Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box
The current flat-rate box — introduced in November 2004 — gives customers a single, predetermined rate regardless of the weight or delivery zone. The new, larger box extends our successful flat-rate offerings, providing more choices for small businesses and consumers.
The new Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box will debut March 3.
“We listened to our customers, and we’re giving them a new box that lets them ship larger items while still enjoying the benefits of a flat rate,” said Postmaster General Jack Potter. “Flat-rate boxes are very popular and the new, larger version provides even more value.”
The new Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is 12” X 12” X 5.5” and can be used for both domestic and international shipments. This extends the flat-rate price and ease-of-use benefits to international shippers. There’s also a 5 percent online discount.
There will be a special version of the box for the military, with a $2 discount, if it’s shipped to an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address. The larger flat-rate box will sell for $12.95 domestic and $10.95 to APO/FPO addresses. Internationally, it’s $29.95 to Canada or Mexico and $49.95 to all other countries.
The Postal Service will continue to offer its original Priority Mail Flat Rate Box that currently retails domestically for $8.95.
All Postal Service Priority and Express Mail packages and envelopes are environmentally friendly, exceeding the highest standards for recyclability.
Express Mail Sunday Delivery Price
The Governors also approved a $12.50 premium for Sunday and holiday Express Mail delivery. The premium — equal to competitor surcharges for Saturday delivery — reflects the unique delivery option the Postal Service provides on Sundays. As an alternative to Sunday, customers can choose Monday delivery at the standard Express Mail price.
“These are the first initiatives that take advantage of the flexibility afforded us by the new pricing regulations under the Postal Act of 2006,” said Potter. “They enable us to compete in the marketplace while continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers.”