The first U.S. Postal Service mailing services price change in two years will have minimal impact on retail customers who will continue to pay only 44 cents for a stamp.

Price changes of note for retail customers include the following:

* First-Class Mail letters (1 oz.) remain unchanged at 44 cents,
* First-Class Mail additional ounces increase to 20 cents,
* Postcards will cost 29 cents,
* Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) increase to 80 cents, and
* Letters to other international destinations will remain unchanged at 98 cents.

USPS- New Pricing For Mailing Services April 17, 2011

Breaking News: Postal Regulatory Commission Denies USPS Rate Increase Request  After careful consideration, the Commission agreed with the Postal Service that the recent severe recession, and the decline in mail volume experienced during the recession, do qualify as an extraordinary or exceptional circumstance under the law. However, the Commission finds that the requested exigent rate adjustments are not due to the recent recession, or its impact on mail volume. Rather, they represent an attempt to address long-term structural problems not caused by the recent recession. The Commission finds, therefore, that the Postal Service has failed to meet its burden under the law and the Commission is unanimous in denying its request for an exigent rate increase..

Statements: Senator Collins | Senator Carper | DMA  | Affordable Mail Alliance  (9/30/10)

USPS Announces Two Cents Rate Hike Proposal

* First-Class Mail stamps would increase to 46 cents. A new Forever Stamp image will be available in October. * First-Class Mail postcard prices will increase 2 cents to 30 cents. * Periodicals will receive an 8 percent increase. The increases would not go into effect until Jan. 2, 2011. USPS: Volume Discounts Included in Proposed Price Changes | Affordable Mail Alliance Forms to Fight Major Postal Service Rate Hikes Announced Today | History of Postage Rates for Domestic Letters 1863-2010

 USPS: First Class Stamps Increase Two Cents On May 11,2009

The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service have approved new prices for mailing services, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 44 cents. Prices for mailing services are reviewed annually and adjusted each May. The new prices will go into effect Monday, May 11. The new prices are available at usps.com/prices. 

On January 18 prices for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International, and M-Bags change. As always, we do not impose fuel surcharges, hidden surcharges, or surcharges for residential or Saturday delivery.

The move to January price changes for shipping services is consistent with industry standards and provides a clear picture of the affordable services we offer. Highlights for domestic shipping services include new Commercial Plus pricing, with up-front discounts for high-volume Express Mail and Priority Mail users. On average, Commercial Plus prices for Express Mail are 14.5 percent less than retail prices; Priority Mail Commercial Plus prices average 7 percent less. We are also introducing a new, smaller Priority Mail flat-rate box. The new box is priced the same as the flat-rate envelope and provides a great option for customers sending smaller items that require sturdy packaging and the convenience of flat rate pricing.

Prices for Express Mail and Priority Mail are designed to maintain the Postal Service’s competitive position as the best shipping value in the market, especially for packages weighing less than 5 pounds. The new prices also make Parcel Select, our “last mile” ground product, an even better value for high-volume shippers. For international mailers, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International are the best value in global shipping.

This pricing change is the first to separate shipping and mailing services. We will announce the price change for mailing services in February, including stamp prices, with new prices effective in May 2009.

For summaries and details of the changes, click on the links below.

New Price List (PDF)
 

Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ on May 12, 2008

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)

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