The United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to increase postage rates in 2019. The increase will affect both First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail.
First-Class Mail rates will increase by an average of 3.9 percent. The new rates will take effect on January 27 2019.
The USPS will also increase the rates for Marketing Mail by an average of 5.9 percent. The new rates will take effect on May 31 2019.
The postage rate increase is the result of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approving the USPS’s request to adjust rates to keep pace with the rising costs of providing postal services.
The USPS has not increased postage rates since January 2017 when the PRC approved an average increase of 2 percent for First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail.
The increase in 2019 will be the first time that First-Class Mail rates have gone up since May 2009. Marketing Mail rates have not increased since April 2016.
The new rates will help the USPS offset the rising costs of transportation labor and other expenses. The USPS is required by law to cover its expenses with revenue from the sale of stamps and other products.
The USPS has been struggling to cover its expenses in recent years as the volume of first-class mail has declined due to the growth of electronic communications. The USPS has also been hit by a series of pension and health care costs.
The increase in postage rates is expected to generate an additional $2 billion in revenue for the USPS.
The USPS plans to use the additional revenue to help cover its expenses and to invest in new technologies and equipment.
What do you think of the USPS’s plan to increase postage rates in 2019? Do you think the rates are fair? Let us know in the comments below.
when is the next time postage rates will increase?
January 27 2019
How much will the postage rate increase by?
2 cents
Why are postage rates increasing?
The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 50 to 52 cents
How often do postage rates increase?
typically every 5-10 years
How will this affect the cost of shipping?
The cost of shipping will increase by 2 cents per ounce.
How will this affect the cost of mailing a letter?
The cost of mailing a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter will increase from 50 cents to 52 cents.
How will this affect the cost of mailing a postcard?
The cost of mailing a postcard will remain at 34 cents.
How will this affect the cost of shipping a package?
The cost of shipping will increase by 2 cents per ounce.
How much will it cost to ship a one-pound package?
It will cost $8.
40 to ship a one-pound package.
How much will it cost to ship a two-pound package?
It will cost $9.
20 to ship a two-pound package.
How will this affect the cost of shipping overnight?
Shipping overnight will remain the same.
How will this affect the cost of shipping internationally?
Shipping internationally will remain the same.
Will there be any changes to the cost of shipping for oversized packages?
Yes the cost of shipping oversized packages will increase by 3 cents per ounce.
Will there be any changes to the cost of shipping for additional ounces?
Yes the cost of shipping for additional ounces will increase by 2 cents per ounce.
What is the new price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp?
The new price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp is 52 cents.
