USPS Parcel Select shipping rates have risen by over 40% for our boxes on January 26, 2014. About half of our care packages to U.S. troops overseas are shipped as Parcel Select boxes.
While first class stamps have risen to $0.49, Parcel Select rates for larger boxes have risen more significantly. As reported by our online postage vendor, Endicia, "Parcel Select pricing will increase on average by 41.6%, which equates to approximately $12.89 more per package."
We also ship a large number of boxes with the U.S. Postal Service Large Flat Rate, Priority Mail (if it fits, it ships) boxes. Those rates were raised only about 3.75% in 2014. All boxes considered, if we ship the same number of boxes in 2014 that we shipped in 2013, we would have about a $15,000 increase in mailing costs.
Parcel Select Rates: 2013 vs 2014:
A 20-lb box has been raised from $22.17 to $32.70 (up $10.53 or 47.5%)
A 30-lb box has been raised from $29.07 to $42.35 (up $13.28 or 45.7%)
The above rates are for APO shipments. Both APO and FPO Parcel Select rates to our Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors in Afghanistan were raised similarly. So as we continue to ship care packages to our Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force troops overseas, we greatly appreciate anyone who can assist with financial donations to the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas.
How can you help our nonprofit send care packages to some of the most remote of the roughly 150,000 U.S. military troops serving overseas in 2024?
1) Donate Financially - Our greatest need is cash for our mailing costs. With no paid staff, we strive to maximize the use of donations. We are a 501(c)(3) charity, so your gifts are tax deductible. We accept checks to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, P.O. Box 116691, Carrollton, TX 75011. You can donate via credit card through our Click and Pledge account. Or you can Venmo us at NancyCarter@AirborneAngels.