USPS extends "Forever" postage into Priority Mail products

American shippers are being offered an expanded range of “Forever” postage options by the US Postal Service, allowing them to lock in current postal rates for future shipments. Following on from the popular “Forever” postage stamps, the Postal Service has launched a range of pre-paid “Forever” Priority Mail packaging.

The range includes three kinds of Flat Rate Envelopes and three different sizes of Flat Rate boxes.

Once bought, the prepaid packaging can be used for shipments regardless of whether postal rates increase before shipments are sent.

The packaging is offered at Priority Mail retail prices in packs of three, five, 10 or 25, and is available through retail points and online.

Prices range from $4.95 per piece for envelopes to $5.20 per piece for a small box, $10.95 for a medium box and $14.95 for a large box.

The Priority Mail service – the premium USPS service level below Express Mail – allows shipments to weigh up to 70 pounds as long as they fit in the packaging. The service includes Delivery Confirmation at no extra cost, with optional extras including Signature Confirmation and insurance available at retail locations.

The expansion of the “Forever” postage concept into Priority Mail is part of the attempt by USPS to make shipping more simple for its customers, thereby helping to increase volumes.

“By offering Forever postage on Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging, customers now have the convenience of a prepayment option that establishes an even simpler way to ship,” said Gary Reblin, vice president, domestic products. “It takes the overall value of Flat Rate shipping to a new level.”