The Postal Service™ has announced that its Board of Governors approved the following two new shipping initiatives to grow its shipping business and revenue:
1. The new Priority Mail® Large Flat-Rate Box enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current flat-rate box. There will be a special version of the box for the military, and a $2 discount, if shipped to an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address. In addition, the box may be used for both domestic and international shipping.
2. The Postal Service will establish a $12.50 premium for Sunday and holiday delivery of Express Mail® items. The premium reflects the higher costs of delivering on Sundays and holidays, when Post Offices™ are usually closed. As a lower-cost alternative, customers who do not need Sunday or holiday delivery may instead opt to have Express Mail items delivered on Monday or the next business day after the holiday at the regular Express Mail price.
The Postal Service will continue to offer the original Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes, which currently retail domestically for $8.95.
The prices for the new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Boxes take effect on March 3, 2008. The Sunday and holiday delivery premium also takes effect on March 3, 2008.
— Package Services and Product Information Requirements, Product Development, 1-31-08
