New postal rates go into effect

Customers at the Blytheville post office continue with business as usual despite the 1-cent hike in stamp prices.

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As of Jan. 22, it costs a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States, the first price change for First-Class Mail stamps (Forever stamps) in more than two and a half years.

The new 45-cent price for Forever stamps is among price changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing, now in effect include:

-- Letters (1 oz): 1-cent increase to 45 cents

-- Letters additional ounces: unchanged at 20 cents

-- Postcards: 3-cent increase to 32 cents

-- Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 ounce): 5-cent increase to 85 cents

-- Letters to other international destinations: 7-cent increase to $1.05

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. The increases do not affect Express Mail and Priority Mail prices.

"The overall average price increase is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "We continue to take actions within out control to increase revenue in other ways and to aggressively cut costs. To return to sound financial footing we urgently need enactment of comprehensive, long-term legislation to provide the Postal Service with a more flexible business model."

While actual percentage price increases for various products and services varies, the overall average price increase across all mailing services is capped by law at 2.1 percent, the rate of inflation calculated based on the Consumer Price Index.

First-Class Mail Pre-sort mailers, the second ounce for presorted letters are now free.

"This gives companies expanded opportunities to advertise new services and products to their customers as part of bill and statement mailings," said Paul Vogel, president and chief marketing/sales officer.

The new retail price for the Express Mail flat-rate envelope is $18.95.

The overall price change for all shipping services is 4.6 percent, with Priority Mail prices increasing an average 3.1 percent and Express Mail prices increasing an average 3.4 percent.