The cost of mailing a letter will climb again this summer after federal regulators approved another round of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) price increases, including a 4-cent increase in the price of a Forever stamp.
The Postal Regulatory Commission on Wednesday approved USPS’ proposed mailing services price changes, clearing the way for the new rates to take effect on July 12.
The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 78 cents to 82 cents, while mailing service prices overall will rise by about 4.8%, according to the Postal Service.
Other approved price changes include:
- Domestic postcards: 61 cents to 65 cents
- Metered 1-ounce letters: 74 cents to 78 cents
- International postcards: $1.70 to $1.75
- International 1-ounce letters: $1.70 to $1.75
The additional-ounce charge for single-piece letters will remain 29 cents. USPS has said the latest increase is necessary as it continues grappling with rising operating costs and longstanding financial challenges.
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“In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools… to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” USPS said when it proposed the increase in April.
The Postal Service generally receives no taxpayer funding for operating expenses and instead relies on revenue from postage, products and services.
While the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the rate changes, it also warned that USPS continues to face significant long-term challenges, including declining mail volume, service performance issues and a deteriorating financial outlook. The commission said it had no legal basis to reject the increase because it complies with current law.
The commission also said USPS used essentially all the pricing authority available for First-Class Mail under current regulations and remains concerned about substantial declines in market-dominant mail volume, ongoing service issues and the Postal Service’s overall financial condition as it reviews whether the current ratemaking system is meeting Congress’ objectives.
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Forever stamps purchased before the increase will continue to be valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter regardless of when they are used.
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