USPS Looking to Increase Shipping Costs 9.5 Percent in 2016

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is seeking to dramatically increase prices for shipping services, which would mark the first such raise since 2013.

The price bump would be delayed until after the holiday season, USPS said on Friday, going into effect Jan. 17. The Postal Regulatory Commission must approve the increase. It would not apply to regular, first-class mail.

The average shipping cost would jump 9.5 percent under the plan, or about $5.50 per shipment. Priority mail, the flat-rate shipping of any package weighing less than 70 pounds with three days, would increase by an average of 9.8 percent.