Published: 02-18-09
Forever Stamps will continue to be sold for the current 42-cent rate until the increase takes effect. The Forever Stamps will remain valid in the future regardless of rate hikes.
Postage rates go up annually in May with the overall change is tied to the rate of inflation in the year before.
The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today said Postmaster General John Potter. Even with the increases the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world.
Although the new 44-cent rate covers the first ounce of first-class mail the price for each additional ounce will remain unchanged at 17 cents.
The Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year and is likely to post a larger loss this year.
The post office has been cutting costs reducing work hours and has asked Congress to allow mail to be delivered five days a week instead of six.
Other changes that take effect May 11:
• Postcard stamps increases 1-cent to 27 cents.
• The first ounce of a large envelope increases 5 cents to 88 cents.
• The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22.
• New international postcard and letter prices are for one ounce 75 cents to Canada; 79 cents to Mexico; and 98 cents elsewhere.
Most Postal Service shipping services prices that were adjusted in January will not change in May.
