Postal Service says it won't raise 2010 rates

The US Postal Service told businesses on October 15 that it will not raise rates for 2010 on its “market-dominant products,” a category that includes first-class and standard mail, periodicals and single-piece parcel post.

The announcement comes at a time when the USPS is determining what local post office branches to close. The agency has predicted that the fiscal year 2009 mail volume could be as much as 20 billion pieces lighter than the year before.

John Potter, postmaster general, said in a note to commercial customers that “promoting the value of the mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry,” and added that the move's long-term benefits outweigh any short-term revenue gain from raising rates.