US Mail Rates On The Rise Again.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 11, 2008 Contact: David Partenheimer
(O) 202-268-8567
(C) 202-262-3275
david.a.partenheimer@usps.gov

usps.com/news
Release No. 08-011Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ on May 12
Forever Stamp Will Still Get Your Letter Delivered
WASHINGTON, DC — The price for a one-ounce First-Class stamp will increase from 41 to 42 cents on May 12.

Prices for other mailing services, such as Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including single-piece Parcel Post), and Special Services will also change (see chart below). The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

"The Postal Service developed the Forever Stamp for consumers to ease the transition during price changes," said Postmaster General John Potter. "We encourage Americans to buy Forever Stamps now for 41 cents, because like the name suggests, they are good forever." The price goes up to 42 cents on May 12.

The Postal Service has sold 5 billion Forever Stamps since the launch last April and plans to have an additional 5 billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change.

Selected Prices & Services Current New
(Effective May 12)
First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz.)
41¢
42¢

First-Class Mail Letter (2 oz.)
58¢
59¢

Postcard
26¢
27¢

Large Envelope (2 oz.)
97¢
$1.00

Money Orders (up to $500)
$1.05
$1.05

Certified Mail
$2.65
$2.70

First-Class Mail International Letter
(1 oz. to Canada and Mexico)
69¢
72¢

First-Class Mail International Letter
(1 oz. to other countries)
90¢
94¢


Consistent with a new law*, prices for mailing services will be adjusted annually each May. The Postal Service plans to provide 90 days' notice before the price changes each year.

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 usps.com/prices.

*The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act

The inconsistent manner of the rate increase will hurt a lot of people because of the way it affects the mailing of periodicals and other such items. We'll all pay in the end.

I get somewhat excited when I hear of a rate hike. I feel it helps my stamps increase in value, the farther from the cover price, the more desirable. It also pushes me to go to the post office and purchase as many different books as I can since they will soon be obsolete. I just purchased the James Stuart, Legends of Hollywood sheet and the latest Valentines Day purple heart on Thursday.