USPS adjusts mailing services prices for 2012 

Beginning early next year, customers will spend a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States, the first price change for First-Class Mail stamps (Forever stamps) since May 2009. The new 45-cent price for Forever stamps is among price changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) yesterday.

Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing, effective Jan. 22, 2012, include:

• Letters (1 oz.) – 1-cent increase to 45 cents
• Letters additional ounces – unchanged at 20 cents
• Postcards – 3-cent increase to 32 cents
• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) – 5-cent increase to 85 cents.
• Letters to other international destinations – 7-cent increase to $1.05

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. Express Mail and Priority Mail prices will remain the same. Click here for more information on the new pricing.

While actual percentage price changes for various products and services vary, the overall average 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 overall average price change is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis,” said PMG Pat Donahoe. “We continue to take actions within our control to increase revenue in other ways and 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.”

There is good news for First-Class Mail Presort mailers. When the new prices take effect 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.

Another new offering is a three-month pricing option to rent PO Boxes — a potential option for people on the move and those who need a PO Box for a short time.