The US Postal Service has announced that it will be raising prices for several mailing services starting in July, including a 5 cent increase in the price of a First Class Forever Stamp. These price adjustments are attributed to changes in the mailing and shipping market and are necessary to achieve financial stability as part of the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan. This is just one of several price hikes that have occurred in recent years, impacting the cost of postage for consumers.
The price increase will vary depending on the postal service being used, with changes announced for at least six services so far. Some of the planned price adjustments include an increase from 68 cents to 73 cents for one-ounce letters, an increase from 53 cents to 56 cents for domestic postcards, and an increase from $1.55 to $1.65 for international postcards. The USPS also mentioned seeking a price change for Special Services products such as Certified Mail and money order fees, although specific details on those changes were not provided.
Stamps can be purchased at any post office, through the USPS website, by mail through USA Philatelic, or by calling the USPS directly. Additionally, stamps and stamp-themed merchandise can be purchased from the USPS licensed collection on Amazon. The price changes are set to take effect on July 14, 2024, so consumers have a limited time to purchase stamps or send mail at the current price before the prices increase later this summer.
The USPS press release on April 9 stated that there would be no changes to shipping rates at this time, but any updates in pricing changes will be communicated. P.O. Box rental fees will remain the same, providing some stability for those services. Consumers should be aware of the impending price increases and plan accordingly for their mailing and shipping needs, taking advantage of the current pricing before the adjustments go into effect in July.
Overall, the price increases announced by the US Postal Service highlight the ongoing changes in the mailing and shipping market that have necessitated adjustments to achieve financial stability. By understanding the planned price changes, consumers can make informed decisions about their mailing and shipping habits, ensuring they are prepared for the increased costs set to take effect in July. It is recommended to take advantage of the current pricing for stamps and postal services before the upcoming changes to maximize savings and efficiency in the mailing process.
