Already retailers are feeling the crunch and could turn that burden over to consumers. For example, ScanMyPhotos.com, which relies heavily on priority flat-rate boxes and offers its customers free shipping, saw its bill go up 9.8 percent.

"Our crazy low prices and free shipping are huge for us," ScanMyPhotos.com founder Mitch Goldstone said. "I really didn't want to change that." While USPS shipping rates are still far cheaper than any commercial carrier, the hike in prices will most likely affect smaller retailers that don't have the power to negotiate discounted contracts.

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