Introduction: 2012 U.S. Postal Service® Price Change

1. Introduction

On November 22^nd, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service® announced new pricing, effective January 22nd, 2012, for both Competitive and Market Dominant mail classes. We have created this page as a resource to explain the details of these changes and what they mean for your business.

In addition to new pricing, the Postal Service™ is also launching some new features, services, and other options to benefit shippers. Here are some of the highlights, which are covered in more detail in these pages:

• Additional mail classes eligible for FREE Delivery Confirmation™ service
• A new, significantly larger Priority Mail® Regional Rate box added to the Regional Rate portfolio
• The first ever Express Mail® Flat Rate box made available for both domestic and international shipping
• A reduction in the volume threshold required to qualify for Commercial Plus™ Cubic pricing, plus the introduction of a new Soft Package option and rates for these customers

The pricing charts list the Commercial Base zone-averaged prices for common weights, Flat Rate, and Regional Rate options. Retail prices are shown where Commercial Base prices are unavailable. For full pricing charts, visit pe.usps.com.