United States Postal Service (USPS) stamp prices started out at just two cents in 1885. The price of postage stamps has periodically increased since 1885 to a high of 42 cents as of May 12, 2008. Stamp prices will go up again on May 11, 2009. Find out when to expect future increases. Learn about the Forever stamp, the only way to combat new postal rates, in the article listed below.
New Postal Rates- How Much Will U.S. First Class Stamp Prices Increase on May 11, 2009?
Although the price of several United States Postal Service mailing services will increase on May 11, 2009, the one of most interest to the average U.S. consumer is the price of first class postage. The price of first class stamps increased only a year ago from 41 cents to 42 cents. The rate is set to increase again; this time the cost will go up to 44 cents.
New First Class Postage Stamps- USPS Rate Change to 44 Cents
Here are seven new 44 cent stamp designs that will be available spring 2009:
- American Treasures: Edward Hopper
- Celebrate!
- King and Queen of Hearts
- Purple Heart
- The Simpsons
- U.S. Flag
- Wedding Rings
Anyone with one or two year old stamps (that aren’t Forever stamps) will be short a cent or two when mailing a first class envelope that weighs one ounce or less. The United States Postal Service offers stamps with values of one or two cents that can be paired with old stamps to add up to the new rate. The one cent stamps come in a Tiffany lamp design; the two cent stamps are of a Navajo necklace.
When Will the United States Postal Service Raise Stamp Prices Again?
Future rate hikes will be much more frequent than historical first class stamp price increases. According to the Postal Regulatory Commission, the cost of first class postage stamps will go up each May. The stamp price increase will be at or below the rate of inflation calculated using data from the Consumer Price Index.
Note: Consumers should note that shipping prices that changed in January (Priority Mail, for instance) will not change again in May.
Resources:
United States Postal Service website, usps.com
Postal Regulatory Commission website
Related articles:
Forever Stamps – How Much They Cost, Where to Buy- This is a brief introduction to the unique Forever stamp. Learn what a Forever stamp is just in time for a scheduled postage stamp rate increase. Find out several ways to purchase stamps.
U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail- Find out what types of packages can be sent using this shipping method. This article covers first class package sizes and weight limits.
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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