Stamps to go up a penny; save forever by buying Forever Stamps now

Postage prices — U.S. & International — to go up May 12

DENVER, CO — On Monday, May 12, 2008, new U.S. and International postage prices will go into effect. The cost to mail a U.S. First Class one-ounce letter will increase a penny, from 41 to 42 cents. The cost to mail a postcard will increase from 26 to 27 cents. The cost to mail a letter to Canada and Mexico will go from 69 to 72 cents, and from 90 to 94 cents for mailing a letter to other countries. See basic new prices below.

For detailed information on the new U.S. and international postage rates and a listing of prices, go to www.usps.com/prices. Some postage prices will stay the same such as the fee for a money order up to $500 remaining at $1.05 and the price for mailing a Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box anywhere in the U.S. staying at $12.95.

This postage increase is needed to cover higher U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operating expenses. USPS has incurred higher operating costs due to escalating fuel prices, medical, transportation and other higher expenses. A one-cent increase in fuel costs USPS more than $8 million in higher fuel costs per year. USPS receives no tax dollars for its operations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to cover its costs. Americans still have one of the lowest postage rates in the world.

Mailers can save on future postage increases by purchasing Forever Stamps now. The Forever Stamp is always good for mailing a one-ounce letter at its current and future rate despite any new postage increases. Effective May 12, mailers can also save and receive new discounts for shipping products like Express Mail, Priority Mail, etc. The discounts apply to certain package volume discounts, shipping online at usps.com, using electronic  postage, etc.

Besides Post Offices, stamps are available at self-serve Automated Postal Center units in Post Office lobbies, at supermarkets and retail outlets that sell stamps, and at postal contract stations.  Customers can also purchase stamps by credit card at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.