As soon as January 17 United States Postal Service customers can expect to see price hikes for at least two services: Priority Mail service and Priority Mail Express.

Small businesses will be the most effected by the 9.8 percent rise which covers commercial packages. The USPS joins other popular delivery services such as FedEx and UPS in raising prices. Last month those private companies raised their rates by 4.9 percent.

The faster Priority Mail Express will go up in price by an average of 14.4 percent. First class stamps will remain at the current 49 cents each. The USPS said that the changes in pricing is essential to keep the agency competitive.

“Unlike other shipping companies, the Postal Service is not implementing any new dimensional weight charges with this pricing proposal, continuing its commitment to deliver an excellent value for customers,” Katina Fields, a spokesperson for USPS.

“The Postal Service adjusts its shipping prices annually just like other shipping companies,” added Fields. “Unlike other shippers, the Postal Service doesn’t add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery or Saturday delivery. The new prices represent the first price increase in more than three years for commercial Priority Mail.”