Politics & Government

Postage Prices to Rise in January

Snail mail will get a little more expensive in 2012.

Beginning early next year, it will cost a penny more to mail letters in the United States.

The new 45-cent price is the first price change for first-class mail stamps in more than two and a half years.

Changes that go into effect Jan. 22 include:

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  • Letters (1 oz.) – one-cent increase to 45 cents
  • Letters additional ounces – unchanged at 20 cents
  • Postcards – three-cent increase to 32 cents
  • Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) – five-cent increase to 85 cents
  • Letters to other international destinations – seven-cent increase to $1.05

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including standard mail, periodicals, package services and extra services. Prices for express mail and priority mail are not affected. Click here for more information on the new pricing.

“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 our 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.”

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While actual percentage price increases for various products and services vary, 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.

The pricing announcement offers some good news for first-class mail presort mailers. When the new prices go into effect on Jan. 22, the second ounce for presorted letters will be 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.

And new for all customers is a three-month pricing option to rent PO Boxes, attractive for people on the move and others who need a PO Box for a short time period. Currently, boxes may be rented for six-month or one-year periods.

The postal service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Would you rather the postal service hold prices steady and deliver mail fewer days, or hike prices and keep the mail service the same? Tell us in the comments box below.


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