From what I've seen, the holiday surcharge (which runs for more than 3 months) tends to become the next permanent increase.

CONVENIENCE OF BUYING LABELS ONLINE:
There are various services that charge the same rates. Ground Advantage is the former first class package rate. Its rates are determined in 4-ounce increments, so anything weighing less than 4 ounces pays the same rate (although rates can vary base don distance). Yes, you should buy a scale, but if you are shipping only a few chips in a bubble mailer (and without anything heavy inside), the chances are you will always be within the 4-ounce rate.

I ship about 10 packages a week. Using preprinted labels from home routinely saves me (my customers) about $2.50 per package. Ground Advantage is insured for $50 per parcel. [Flaw in the system: insurance is paid only if the parcel is shown as received by the post office. You can stand in line and have them scan it, but if you drop it in the collection box and it goes missing before the post office scans it, you'll be out of luck on insurance. It has only happened to me once in 10 years]