LEXINGTON, KY - In a letter from US Postal Service Business Service Network Representative Sandy M. Frank in Louisville to customers who send bulk mail such as magazines and direct marketing that they can expect to see their prices hold steady in 2010 despite rumors of up to a 10 percent increase in rates. First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals and single-piece Parcel Post will see no change in the coming year, according to the letter, but more consumer based shipping that competes with UPS and FedEx such as Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Select and most international products still could. A decision on those types of mail are expected next month, according to the letter.
Below is the letter from Frank in its entirety.
To Postal Service Customers:
Many of you have expressed concerns regarding mailing costs for 2010. The tough economic climate has presented significant challenges to all of us and pessimistic speculation has suggested that postal prices could increase by as much as 10 percent.
As we begin a new fiscal year and as many of you, our business clients, are preparing your 2010 operating budgets, we want to end all speculation.
The Postal Service will not increase prices for market dominant products in calendar year 2010.
Simply stated, there will not be a price increase for market dominant products including First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals, single-piece Parcel Post. There will be no exigent price increase for these products.
This is the right decision at the right time for the right reason. Promoting the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy, and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.
While increasing prices might have generated revenue for the Postal Service in the short term, the long term effect could drive additional mail out of the system. We want mailers to continue to invest in mail to grow their business, communicate with valued customers, and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace. Changes in pricing for our competitive products-Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Select, and most international products-are under consideration. We expect to announce a decision in November.
We are committed to working with customers to find ways to grow the mail through innovative incentives like the Summer Sale and contract pricing. Mail is the most effective means of communication and advertising and we will continue to work together to increase the value of the mail. Mail is a smart investment for the future.