Stamp costs likely to increase next year

The USPS has proposed a price increase on first class & other postage, which (if approved) would take effect on Jan. 2. Among the proposed changes:

First class letter rate would increase to 46 cents for 1 oz, 64 cents for 2 oz, 82 cents for 3 oz, and $1 for 3.5 oz. (This is an increase of 2 cents for the first ounce and 5 cents for 3.5 oz.)
Postcards would increase to 30 cents. (This is an increase of 2 cents.)
Flats (aka large envelope) would increase to 92 cents for 1 oz and 18 cents for each additional ounce. (This is an increase of 4 cents for the first ounce and 16 cents for other weights, or about 5 percent.)
Parcels (aka package) would increase to 1.71 for 1 – 3 oz and 17 cents for each additional ounce. (This is an increase of 49 cents for the first ounce, 32 cents for 2 oz, 15 cents for all other weights, or about 5 percent.)
Media mail would increase to $2.54 for 1 pound and 42 cents for each additional pound (a 7 percent increase).

International postage would also increase:

To Canada, a 1 oz letter would cost 80 cents; 1 3.5 oz letter would cost $1.64. A 1 oz flat would cost $1.08; additional ounces add 26 cents (up to 8 oz). A 1 oz parcel would cost $1.72; additional ounces add 26 cents (up to 8 oz).
To Mexico, a 1 oz letter would cost 80 cents and a 3.5 oz letter would cost $2.48. A 1 oz flat would cost $1.08; additional ounces add 57 cents (up to 8 oz). A 1 oz parcel would cost $1.72; additional ounces add 57 cents (up to 8 oz).
The 1 oz letter rate will go up to $1.06 for groups 3-5 and to $1.02 for groups 6-9. The 3.5 oz letter rate would cost $3.70 for groups 3-5 and $3.42 for groups 6-9. Flats will start at $1.30; additional ounces add 88 cents for groups 3-5 or 82 cents for groups 6-9 (up to 8 oz). Parcels will start at $1.72; additional ounces add 87 cents for groups 2-5 or 81 cents for groups 6-9 (up to 8 oz).

Costs would also increase for other categories, including standard mail, periodicals, and library mail. A spreadsheet listing all of the proposed changes can be downloaded from the USPS website.

USPS is again pushing people to buy “Forever stamps” now and will introduce a new version of the stamp this fall. Forever stamps can be purchased at the current 1 oz. letter rate and remain valid for 1 oz. letter usage, regardless of future price increases.

USPS faces an estimated $7 billion budget shortfall next year. The Postal Regulatory Commission has until October to approve or reject the increase. It has been almost two years since the last price increase for first class postage.

Jul

7

Stamp costs likely to increase next year

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