ONE-CENT POSTAGE INCREASE BEGINS MAY 12

The cost of a first-class stamp will rise by $.01 to $.42, starting on May 12. Under a 2006 law reorganizing the U.S. Postal Service, the agency will now adjust postal prices on a yearly basis at a rate tied to inflation. The law change was intended to provide predictability and price protection. The inflation rate since last May’s first class mail increase was 2.9%. While the mailing cost for the first ounce of a first-class letter rises by a $.01, the price of each added ounce will remain $.17 (i.e. a two-ounce letter will go up a penny to &.59). The following is a summary of other announced increases:

•    Postcards: $.27, up $.01
•    Large envelope: 2 ounces, $1, up $.03
•    Certified mail: $2.70, up $.05
•    First-class international letter to Canada or Mexico: $.72, up $.03
•    First-class international letter to other countries: $.94 cents, up $.04
•    New prices for Priority and Express Mail and other services will be announced in March.

For further information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.