Prices have gone up for stamps and other services

USPS

Last weekend, the United States Postal Service (USPS) raised the cost of its Forever First-Class stamp and other items.

Here’s what you need to know about the increased pricing.

First-class mail prices increased by 6.9 percent to offset declining revenue due to firstclass mail volume declines.

In the past 10 years, mail volume has declined by 46 billion pieces, or 28 percent, and is continuing to decline. Over the same period, first-class mail volume has dropped 32 percent, and single piece first-class mail volume—including letters bearing postage stamps—has declined 47 percent.

The new rates went into on Aug. 28. Below are the price increases:

• Forever stamps or mailing a 1-ounce letter will increase from 55 cents to 58 cents each.

• Additional ounces for letters will remain at 20 cents.

• A book of 20 stamps will increase from $11 to $11.60.

• A metered 1-ounce letter will increase from 51 cents to 53 cents.

• Postcards will increase from 36 cents to 40 cents.

• First-class single-piece flat mail will increase from $1 to $1.16.

• Outbound internal letters will increase from $1.20 to $1.30.

• Certified mail will increase from $3.60 to $3.75.

• Registered mail will increase from $12.90 to $13.75.

Marketing mail, periodicals, package services and special services also had postage rate increases on Sunday.

10-Year Plan The increase in rates is part of USPS’s “Delivering for America” plan, a 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence. “For the past 14 years, the Postal Service has had limited pricing authority to respond to changing market realities,” said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy.

With full implementation, this 10-year plan is designed to reverse a projected $160 billion in operating losses over the next 10 years.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.