May 9, 08

NEWS / Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ on May 12

Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ on May 12
Forever Stamp Will Still Get Your Letter Delivered

WASHINGTON, DC — The price for a one-ounce First-Class stamp will increase from 41 to 42 cents 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 (see chart below). The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

“The Postal Service developed the Forever Stamp for consumers to ease the transition during price changes,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “We encourage Americans to buy Forever Stamps now for 41 cents, because like the name suggests, they are good forever.” The price goes up to 42 cents on May 12.

The Postal Service has sold 5 billion Forever Stamps since the launch last April and plans to have an additional 5 billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change.
Selected Prices & Services Current New
(Effective May 12)

First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz.)


41¢


42¢

First-Class Mail Letter (2 oz.)


58¢


59¢

Postcard


26¢


27¢

Large Envelope (2 oz.)


97¢


$1.00

Money Orders (up to $500)


$1.05


$1.05

Certified Mail


$2.65


$2.70

First-Class Mail International Letter
(1 oz. to Canada and Mexico)


69¢


72¢

First-Class Mail International Letter
(1 oz. to other countries)


90¢


94¢

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.

New prices for shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, will be announced in March. Prices for all postal products and services are available at usps.com/prices.

*The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act

# # #
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_011a.htm