USPS® Rate Change
New USPS prices effective May 11, 2009
Mailing Services
The U.S. Postal Service has adjusted prices for mailing services, including First-Class
Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services.
- The price for one-ounce First-Class stamps will increase from 42 cents to 44 cents
- No change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional ounce price
- The rate for flats single-piece increased by five cents
- Overall price increase for Standard Mail is 3.78 percent, but varies by product and within various rate structures
- Discounts for BMC and SCF destination entry continue to be enhanced
- First-Class Intelligent Mail® Barcode Full Service offers an additional
- .003 cent discount for First-Class Mail (effective Nov. 29, 2009)
- .001 cent discount for Standard Mail (effective Nov. 29, 2009)
Shape-based pricing, which was introduced in 2007, is still in effect, which means the shape and format of your mailpiece will have a significant impact on your cost. You can expect a modest increase for most types of mail, with no change (or decreases) for each additional ounce.
The price difference between flats and letter-size mail is now even greater. By conforming to letter-size dimensions you can save money on every piece you mail.
A new approach to USPS price increases.
Under rules established by the
Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, price increases for most services
are limited to the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
The Postal Service no longer needs to file a “rate case”; instead they must publish
new pricing at least 45 days in advance. There is still regulatory oversight, and the
Postal Regulatory Commission provides the public with 20 days to comment on whether the
proposed pricing is consistent with the statutory requirements.
For more information on the price changes go to
www.usps.com/prices.