Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ 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.  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. (February 11, 2008)

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Postal Service Expects Stamp Price Increase In 2008

(Nov. 15, 2007) Stamp prices likely will increase in 2008, the chairman of the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors said Thursday. Jim Miller said when the Postal Regulatory Commission recommends a rate increase — which he said probably will happen in “the next few months” — it will be capped at the rate of inflation. Congress passed a law in 2006 that established a more predictable, inflation-based system of postage rate increases.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - New postage rates go into effect on Monday, May 14, including a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 41 cents. Post Offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also one and two-cent stamps for customers who still have a supply of 39-cent stamps.

Customers can also order stamps online at www.usps.com or by telephone at 1-800-STAMP-24. The new stamps are also available at Automated Postal Centers and ATM's nationwide (beginning May 14).

The below charts provide examples of some of the new rates and fees:
 

Selected Rates	Effective May 14
First-Class Letter (1 oz.)	41¢
First-Class Letter (2 oz.)	58¢
Postcard	26¢
Priority Mail (1 lb.)	$4.60
Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box	$8.95
Express Mail (1/2 lb)	$16.25
NEW Express Mail (1 lb)	$19.50
Express Mail (2 lb)	$21.40

Fee and Services	Effective May 14
Certified Mail	$2.65
Delivery Confirmation (Priority)	65¢
Delivery Confirmation (First Class Parcels)	75¢
Return Receipt (Original Signature)	$2.15
Return Receipt (Electronic)	85¢
Money Orders (up to $500)	$1.05

Also on May 14 the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp goes on sale at the new 55-cent price. Since 1998, the Postal Service has raised more than $53 million for breast cancer research through the sale of this semipostal stamp.

In addition to the new domestic rates, changes will take effect May 14 for customers sending international mail. USPS has simplified its eight main international products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International. New packaging will allow mailers to use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging for shipping both within the United States and to other countries. For details of the International Mail changes, go to: http://www.usps.com/ratecase and select “New International Rates, Fees and Country Listing.”

source: USPS