Businesses shipping parcels will be paying a bit more to do so through the U.S. Postal Service starting Oct. 18, according to a press release from USPS. The rates, which are slated to return to normal on Dec. 27, were set by the Postal Reghulatory Commission in response to strain from the coronavirus pandemic and expected holiday shipping increases.

“The Governors believe these temporary rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with much needed revenue. The forecasted additional revenue from the time-limited increase will depend on the volume of packages shipped between Oct. 18 and Dec. 27 at commercial rates,” the press release said.

Priority mail express, priority mail, first-class package service, parcel select and parcel return service will all increase in cost.

Cost increase projections range from 24 cents to $1.50 depending upon the shipping product selected.

The announcement comes as the USPS has gotten national attention for controversial decisions made by newly-appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that include removing or deactivating mail sorting machines in some post offices across the country and concerns about the accessibility and reliability of mail in ballots.