Postal stamp prices set to increase in May
The Western News
It has become an annual event, with postage stamp prices increasing in May. It seems it is time, yet again, for an increase in the fee to mail a first-class letter.
The price of a postage stamp will increase to 42 cents on May 12. It was around the same time last, May 14, 2007, that first-class postage stamps increased from 39 cents to 41 cents.
In addition to the increase in first-class mail, the prices for standard mail; periodicals; package services, including single-piece Parcel Post; special services, including money orders, post office box service, certified mail and registered mail will increase.
Consistent with a new law (the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act), prices for mailing services will be adjusted annually each May. The U.S. Postal Service plans to provide 90-days notice before the price changes each year, however it is required by law to give 45 days notice, according to information provided by Lisa Blomquist, USPS Consumer Affairs manager.
The USPS continues to raise prices to cover expenses, according to the information. The Postal Service doesn't receive tax dollars for operations.
Hopefully easing some of the pangs of inflation is the Forever Stamp, which was introduced by the USPS on April 12, 2007. Forever Stamps may be purchased at the current postage stamp rate of 41 cents and may be used, as their name suggests, forever regardless of price changes. Forever Stamps purchased at the current rate of 41 cents can be used for the 1-ounce first-class mail letter rate even after the May 12 price change. On May 12, Forever Stamps will be sold at the new first-class mail rate and those can be used anytime in the future regardless of price changes.
Since its introduction, the USPS has sold 5 billion Forever Stamps and, in preparation for the May 12 price change, will have an additional 5 billion in stock.
Currently, a 2-ounce first class mail letter stamp costs 58 cents, on May 12 that will increase to 59 cents. Postcard stamps currently cost 26 cents, that price will rise to 27 cents.
Large 2-ounce envelopes currently cost 97 cents to mail, that price will increase to $1 on May 12. Money orders up to $500 are priced at $1.05 currently and that price will not change on May 12. Certified mail is priced at $2.65 and will increase to $2.70 on May 12. Mailing a 1-ounce first-class mail international letter to Canada or Mexico is currently priced at 69 cents, that will increase to 72 cents on May 12. To mail a 1-ounce first class mail international letter to other countries currently costs 90 cents, with the price increases that will bump up to 94 cents.
New prices for shipping services, including express mail and priority mail, will be announced in March. Prices for all postal products and services are available at www.usps.com/prices .