Consumerist
The USPS has approved a rate hike from $.39 to $.41 cents for a first class letter. They've also approved the "Forever Stamp" a stamp that does not lose its value is the postage rate changes. From the USPS:
The Governors approved the Forever Stamp, which will sell at the new 41-cent First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate. The value on these stamps will always be the one-ounce letter rate and can be used for any future one-ounce letter mailing without extra postage.The rate change will go into effect May 14th. Examples of the rate schedule inside..."The Forever Stamp is a consumer innovation that delivers convenience and value and will help ease the transition for mailing letters when prices change," said Chairman Miller.
| EXAMPLES OF NEW PRICES FOR POSTAGE Effective May 14, 2007 | ||
| Current | New | |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | ||
| Letters, Bill Payment; Greeting Card | $ 0.39 | $ 0.41 |
| Wedding Invitation (2-ounce) | $ 0.63 | $ 0.58 |
| Postcard | $ 0.24 | $ 0.26 |
| Priority Mail | ||
| Flat Rate Envelope | $ 4.05 | $ 4.60 |
| Flat Rate Box | $ 8.10 | $ 9.15 ** |
| 12-pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) | $19.80 | $24.10 |
| Express Mail | ||
| Flat Rate Envelope | $14.40 | $16.25 |
| 1-pound package | $18.80 | $19.50 |
| Parcel Post | ||
| 1-pound package | $ 3.95 | $ 4.50 |
| 5-pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) | $ 9.11 | $ 9.50 |
| Bank Statement | ||
| (2 ounces, 3-digit, barcoded) | $ 0.545 | $ 0.459 |
| Utility Bill | ||
| (5-digit, barcoded) | $ 0.293 | $ 0.312 |
**Postal Service Governors are requesting reconsideration for the new price of the Priority Mail Flat Rate Box.
—MEGHANN MARCO
USPS Press Release [USPS]
