Postal rate hike to impact shipping costs in 2025

The Postal Regulatory Commission has announced changes in postal rates, effective January 19, 2025, impacting various shipping services, including those in Alaska.

The Alaska Limited Overland Routes price category will see an average increase of 9.0 percent, affecting shipping costs for businesses and individuals relying on this service.

Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail rates are set to increase by an average of 3.2 percent, while Parcel Select rates will rise by 9.2 percent on average.

USPS Ground Advantage rates will increase by an average of 3.9 percent, with retail prices rising by 4.9 percent and commercial prices by 3.2 percent.

A new Live Animal and Perishable Handling Fee will be introduced, costing $7.50 for USPS Ground Advantage and $15.00 for Priority Mail.

The changes are part of a broader adjustment affecting both domestic and international postal services, with varying rate increases across different categories.

Public comments on these changes are invited until December 13, 2024, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views.