U.S. First-Class Stamp, Other Postal Services to Rise Tomorrow

[struggle4progress]

Source: Bloomberg

... Prices for other mailing services, including standard mail, periodicals, package services and special services, will also increase tomorrow ...

Forty-two-cent stamps will be required on first-class mail weighing an ounce (0.02 kilograms) or less ...

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=azWPrlQIhS9o&refer=us

[Deja Q]

1. Thx, As I recall, due to decreased demand and increase of fuel prices are the root causes.

Especially the latter, what with e-mail, text messaging, et al...

[Fridays Child]

2. I paid 41¢ per stamp for the stamps I bought at Costco, last Saturday...

...but they're good for first class postage, after the increase.

[sutz12]

3. Right. Stock up on forever stamps. nt

[Papillon]

4. Yes, they're called Forever Stamps.

Even 20 years from now they can be used as first class postage. They can still be purchased until 12 midnight on the USPS website.

[JerseygirlCT]

9. Nope. Unfortunately

I spent some time with a USPS rep a month or so ago. Though they're called "forever", they're only good for 3 years. Sounds a bit like "Patriot Act", doesn't it?

But certainly 3 years is far better than one.

Which is now going to be the time between price increases. From now on, up a penny a year, steadily. She said that their past pattern: budget surplus the first year of a rise, break even the second, behind the third... was finally looked at. This way, it's steady, it's known.

So, yes, get forever's - although now I guess they'll cost you .42 each - at least they'll work for several years!

[high density]

14. The USPS "rep" you talked to was not correct

Here's the PR from the "forever stamp" launch:

http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007/sr07_014.htm

"The Forever Stamp — available nationwide today — is good for mailing one-ounce First-Class Mail letters anytime in the future — regardless of price changes."

I find the forever stamp to be a convenience more than anything else. The increase of first class mail is now limited to the CPI so the future rate increases will be quite predictable.

[JerseygirlCT]

16. She was quite sure. I do notice that this press release is more

than a year old. Perhaps they've re-thought things?

[JerseygirlCT]

18. On edit, I found a more recent article saying the same

thing... if I have time, I'm going to e-mail and ask her!

[slackmaster]

17. Agreed on the convenience - Check this link out for values of nondenominated stamps!

The rates have changed so many times it's been very hard to keep track.

I found a bunch of "E" stamps with a picture of planet Earth on them. According to the USPS they're worth 25 cents:

http://pe.usps.gov/text/qsg300/Q604a.htm

[bossy22]

5. hey...

maybe with the increase in prices they won't keep losing my mail

im not that big on privitization but i believe the private carriers do a 10x better job of delivering postage and packages than than the USPS

[kimmylavin]

7. For 10/20/30 times the price.

For 41 cents, now 42, the USPS will take an envelope of mine and carry it all the way across the country, delivering it to my parents' DOOR.

For a few more dollars they'll send it quicker, they'll track it, etc.

For the money I've spent, I've had very few problems with the PO over the last 20 years, and I've been very happy with the whole system.

Privatizing the mail service just opens it up to people who are concerned only with PROFITS.

[northzax]

12. yep

the usps is the best national mail system for a country this size in the world. No question.

[northzax]

13. yep

the usps is the best national mail system for a country this size in the world. No question.

[bluesmail]

6. The price of mailing, ANYTHING, is the best deal we have going.

[OhioChick]

8. Thanks for the Reminder. n/t

[Tyler Generation]

10. Shouldn't the MSM Headline Be more Like...

"Price Of Stamps Shatters Records As It Skyrocketly Soars Through The Roof"

Or something like that....

[Sabriel]

11. Blast! No more Yoda or Star Wars stamps.

Now I can't put Darth Sidious stamps on my utility bills anymore.

[slackmaster]

15. I bought 500 Forever stamps a few weeks ago

Postal employee told me about the planned May 12 increase.