Merrifield VA — The May 12, 2008 price change is increasing demand for the Forever Stamp. The Forever Stamp may be used at any time in the future regardless of price increases. The current Forever Stamp priced at 41 cents may be used to mail a letter up to an ounce in weight. Customers that buy the Forever Stamp before the May 12 price increase save.

Forever Stamps are available for purchase at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24, and from Automated Postal Centers and ATMs.

The chart below reflects the new pricing for Mailing Services:

Mailing Services Highlights

• There will be no change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce price
• Lower additional-ounce price for presorted First-Class Mail letters
• Lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats
• Shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail International letters, flats, and parcels
• First-Class Mail International price groups expand from five to nine groups

Shipping Services Highlights

There is great news for Shipping Service customers.  Express Mail is switching to a zone-based pricing system, resulting in customers paying less for nearby destinations. Customers will receive a 3 percent price reduction by purchasing Express Mail online or through corporate accounts. Additional price reductions are available for those who ship quarterly minimums.

Priority Mail will have an average 3.5 percent savings for customers who use electronic postage or meet other requirements.

Parcel Select — our “last mile” delivery to every door — will feature pricing and volume incentives for large- and medium-size shippers. Parcel Return Service will move entirely to a weight based pricing system, resulting in significant price reductions for many lighter packages.

Detailed information about all the new prices, including ways to save on Express Mail and Priority Mail, is available at usps.com/prices.