What changes is USPS making to postage rates?
The proposed postage rate changes, which still have to be approved by regulators, would raise mailing services product prices by about 4.8%. That means the price of First-Class Mail Forever stamps would increase from 78 cents to 82 cents, and international postcards from $1.70 to $1.75, among other proposed rate increases.
The new rates would go into effect on July 12, according to USPS.
The Postal Service said that the additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will continue to be 29 cents.
“In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” USPS said in a statement.
“The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations,” it continued. “Notwithstanding the adjustment, the Postal Service’s mailing prices remain among the most affordable in the world.”