We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Area residents might wish to stock up on stamps now since the United States Postal Service (USPS) has proposed new postage rates to be implemented on Sunday, January 27, 2019, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). If approved, this will be the largest percentage increase since 1991.
Based on information provided on the USPS website, the proposed prices, approved by the Governors of the Postal Service, would raise Mailing Services product prices approximately 2.5 percent. Shipping Services price increases will vary by product.
Although Mailing Services price increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The Governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.
In 2018, the Postal Service lost about $3.9 billion, some $1 billion more than the previous year. For twelve consecutive, it has been operating in the red. Not funded by taxpayers, the USPS generates revenue from selling products and services.
If favorably reviewed by the PRC, 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. Each additional letter ounce will cost 15 cents, which is a decrease from 21 cents. So, the cost to mail a 2-ounce stamped letter will actually drop from 71 cents to 70 cents. The cost of a postcard remains fixed at 35 cents.
First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelope rates are not increasing in 2019, remaining at $1.00 (1 oz.), with additional ounces costing $0.15
Priority mail will rise about 10 percent. A priority small box that once was $7.20 will rise by 70 cents, and a priority medium box that previously cost $13.65 will now run $14.35.
Listed below are the highlights of the proposed 2019 USPS rate increase for online customers:
• Customers who print postage online (via Stamps.com), the Metered Mail rate will now be a five-cent discount compared to the Post Office price with rates increasing to $0.50 in 2019 from $0.47 currently.
• Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.15 in 2019, a decrease from $0.21 currently.
• The five-cent discount for online postage on a one-ounce First Class Mail letter represents a savings of 9% for consumers and small business owners.
According to USPS Media Contact, Carl A. Walton, despite the rate increase, “the Postal Service has some of the lowest letter mail postage rates in the industrialized world and 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.”
A complete schedule of price change tables is available on the Postal Service website at https://www.stamps.com/usps/postage-rate-increase/.
