Price of postage stamps increase on Monday

The Western News

It’s time to stock up on the Forever Stamps.

The price of a postage stamp will increase to 42 cents on Monday, May 12. First-class postage stamps increased from 39 cents to 41 cents at this time last year, on May 14, 2007.

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 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 Monday price change.

On Monday, 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 Monday 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 Monday. Money orders up to $500 are priced at $1.05 currently and that price will not change Monday. 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.

Prices for all postal products and services are available at www.usps.com/prices .