WASHINGTON, D.C. — People all across America, and especially in Eastern Kentucky, have been watching their everyday costs rise. From gas to food to utility bills, everything seems to be getting more expensive.

And starting next week, you can add the cost to mail a package to that list.

The U.S. Postal Service will implement a temporary 8 percent price increase on retail and commercial services such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. 

The higher rates are due to rising transportation costs, but they are not permanent. The new rates will go into effect on Sunday and remain in effect until January 17. The Postal Service will make a decision at that time on whether additional measures are needed.

The cost of other services, including First Class stamps, will not be affected.

The Postal Service is not alone in its response to rising transportation costs. Commercial shippers have also been implementing fuel surcharges, and the Postal Service says its increase is a fraction of what others are charging.