The Postal Service approved a price change effective January 27, 2019, which will affect all mail classes and special services. The increase, approved by the Governors of the Postal Service, would raise Mailing Services product prices, which include letter size, flats and international mail, approximately 2.5 percent. The price increase for Mailing Services is based on the Consumer Price Index.
Shipping Services price increases vary by product and are “primarily adjusted according to market conditions.” For example, Priority Mail Express will increase 3.9 percent and Priority Mail will increase 5.9 percent.
The new prices will include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 50 cents to 55 cents. This 5-cent increase would be the largest increase in the price of stamps since 1863.
In addition to stamps, the cost of PO boxes and Certified mail will increase.
“The Governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue,” the release states.
The Postal Service has some of the lowest letter mail postage rates in the industrialized world and also continues to offer a great value in shipping. Unlike some other shippers, the Postal Service does not add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday or holiday season delivery.
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