I noticed this while on USPS's website today. I searched but didn't see if anyone had posted it yet, so I figured I'd pass it along since so many here use priority mail.
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm?fro...amp;page=prices
New Prices Coming May 12, 2008
On May 12 we will adjust prices for our shipping services — Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, and International Mail. For the first time our pricing includes commercial volume and contract prices, rebates, online price reductions, and other new incentives.
"These innovative pricing incentives will make our products more attractive to all shippers, especially small businesses. We’re pricing our products to sell in today’s competitive shipping market," said Postmaster General John Potter.
Pricing Highlights:
-Express Mail is switching to a zone-based pricing system, resulting in customers paying less for nearby destinations. Customers will receive a 3 percent price reduction by purchasing Express Mail online or through corporate accounts. Additional price reductions are available for those who ship quarterly minimums.
-Priority Mail will have an average 3.5 percent savings for customers who use electronic postage or meet other requirements.
- Parcel Select — our “last mile” delivery to every door — will feature pricing and volume incentives for large- and medium-size shippers.
-Parcel Return Service will move entirely to a weight based pricing system, resulting in significant price reductions for many lighter packages.
"Pricing has always been important to the Postal Service. Now, with greater pricing flexibility than ever, our customers have more choices, and we can price quickly in response to customer needs and the marketplace," said Pricing and Classification Vice President Stephen Kearney.
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm?fro...amp;page=prices