Mail News

USPS Rate Increase set for Sunday, April 17, 2011

NOTE:  Prices for First-Class letters up to 1 oz. have not changed;
they remain at 44 cents.

• First-Class Mail prices for letters over 1 ounce have changed from 17 to 20 cents per additional ounce
• Postcards now cost 29 cents, an increase of 1 cent.
• Prices have also changed for other mailing services such as Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services.
 

Domestic Mail

Express Mail
• Flat Rate Envelope – remains at 2010 price ($18.30)
• New envelope size available - Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15” x 9.5”) for $18.30
• Package rates are changing for all weights and zones

Priority Mail
• Flat Rate Envelopes 12.5” x 9.5” or smaller – increasing $0.05 to $4.95
• New envelope size available - Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15” x 9.5”) for $4.95
• Small Flat Rate Box increasing $0.25 to $5.20
• Medium Flat Rate Boxes increasing $0.25 to $10.95
• Large Flat Rate Box increasing $0.45 to $14.95
• APO/FPO/DPO Large FRB increasing $0.45 to $12.95

International Mail

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
• To Canada and Mexico – increasing $0.50 to $11.95
• All other existing price groups – increasing $0.50 to $13.95

Priority Mail Flat Rate Box (Regular/Medium)
• To Canada and Mexico – increasing $1.00 to $27.95
• To all other existing price groups (3-10) – increasing $2.05 to $45.50

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box
• To Canada and Mexico – increasing $1.55 to $35.50
• To all other existing price groups (3-10) – increasing $2.55 to $58.50

New 13-Ounce Mail Rule to Take Effect July 30

Washington, DC - A new Postal Service rule goes into effect next week for packages and envelopes that weigh more than 13 ounces, if they're being mailed with only stamps as postage at a location other than a Post Office retail service counter. More ...

Forever Stamps

Have you heard about the Forever Stamp but wondered what it is?  Here is the latest information from the US Postal Service on this handy stamp:

The Forever Stamp will be valid for mailing any future 1-ounce single piece First Class mail letter, no matter what the price may be at the time of mailing - without the addition of extra postage.  This stamp will increase convenience for consumers by avoiding the "last minute rush" to purchase stamps when new prices are implemented in the future. 

• The Forever Stamp will feature an image of the Liberty Bell (see sample)
• It will be available at the current first-class rate and is available in booklets and in sheets.
• The Forever Stamp or any nondenominated stamps (except those that bear unique markings, such as First-Class Presort, Nonprofit Org.) may be affixed to items that are sent to foreign countries
• The postage value of the Forever Stamp is always the domestic First-Class Mail single piece one-ounce letter rate that is in effect on the day of mailing.  Since the international postage rates are always higher than the comparable domestic rates, additional postage must be affixed if such a stamp is used on international mail.
• The Forever Stamp will eliminate the need for customers to purchase make-up stamps for future First-Class Mail letter price changes.

Purchase these stamps at your local post office or online here.

USPS Customs Forms Now Online

Because international mail is subject to Customs examination in the country of its destination, when you ship items internationally you might need to complete and submit Customs Forms declaring the contents and their value.

You can now fill-out Customs Forms online by clicking here.