Daily printout: Oct. 7

The Postal Service implemented temporary price changes for some package services for the holiday shipping season on Oct. 5.

The adjustments will affect prices on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select.

The changes will remain in place until midnight Central on Sunday, Jan. 18.

The changes will help cover extra handling costs and bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices.

As part of the Postal Service’s 10-year strategic plan, the temporary changes will support the creation of a revitalized organization capable of achieving its public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term.

The changes include:

Retail

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 1-4

• 40-cent increase for 0-3 pounds

• 60-cent increase for 4-10 pounds

• 95-cent increase for 11-25 pounds

• $3 increase for 26-70 pounds and oversized items

Priority Mail: Zones 5-9

• 90-cent increase for 0-3 pounds

• $1.45 increase for 4-10 pounds

• $3.25 increase for 11-25 pounds

• $7 increase for 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Flat Rate

• $1.45 for large flat-rate boxes

• 90 cents for all other flat-rate products

USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 5-9

• 50-cent increase for 0-3 pounds

• $1 increase for 4-10 pounds

• $2 increase for 11-25 pounds

• $5.75 increase for 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Express

• $1.10 increase for zones 1-4, 0-3 pounds

• $2 increase for zones 5-9, 0-3 pounds

• $2 increase for zones 1-4, 4-10 pounds

• $4.85 increase for zones 5-9, 4-10 pounds

• $3.90 increase for zones 1-4, 11-25 pounds

• $9 increase for zones 5-9, 11-25 pounds

• $9.75 increase for zones 1-4, 26-70 pounds

• $16 increase for zones 5-9, 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate

• $2 increase for flat-rate envelopes

Commercial

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 1-4, and Parcel Select (all entries)

• 30-cent increase for zones 1-4, 0-3 pounds

• 45-cent increase for zones 1-4, 4-10 pounds

• 75-cent increase for zones 1-4, 11-25 pounds

• $2.25 increase for 26-70 pounds and oversized items

Priority Mail: Zone 5-9

• 70-cent increase for 0-3 pounds

• $1.25 increase for 4-10 pounds

• $2.75 increase for 11-25 pounds

• $6.50 increase for 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Flat Rate

• $1.25 for large flat-rate boxes

• 70-cent increase for all other flat-rate products

USPS Ground Advantage: Zone 5-9

• 35-cent increase for 0-3 pounds

• 75-cent increase for 4-10 pounds

• $1.25 increase for 11-25 pounds

• $5.50 increase for 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Express

• $1 increase for zones 1-4, 0-3 pounds

• $1.75 increase for zones 5-9, 0-3 pounds

• $1.50 increase for zones 1-4, 4-10 pounds

• $3.95 increase for zones 5-9, 4-10 pounds

• $3.50 increase for zones 1-4, 11-25 pounds

• $7.50 increase for zones 5-9, 11-25 pounds

• $8.95 increase for zones 1-4, 26-70 pounds

• $13 increase for zones 5-9, 26-70 pounds

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate

• $1.75 for flat-rate envelopes

USPS announced the adjustments in August.

The Postal Service is reminding employees about the Hatch Act, a law that aims to ensure the federal workforce is free from partisan political influence or coercion.

The law restricts federal workers — including USPS employees — from engaging in certain political activities.

For example, employees cannot do any of the following while on duty, on postal property or in uniform:

• Wear apparel with messages or images for or against a political candidate, party or group;

• Make statements for or against a candidate, political party or partisan political group; or

• Engage in partisan political exchanges on social media.

USPS employees also cannot:

• Run for political office;

• Collect, receive or request donations for a candidate, campaign, political party or political action committee;

• Use their USPS position or title to influence elections;

• Host a political fundraiser or invite anyone to attend a political fundraiser; or

• Place political bumper stickers on mail delivery vehicles.

The Hatch Act does not prohibit Postal Service employees from voting or registering to vote; volunteering for or donating to a campaign; attending a political fundraiser; or serving as a poll watcher, challenger or election judge.

Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.