USPS to Increase Price of Stamps, Some Services

United States Postal Service price adjustments announced back in October will kick in Sunday, Jan. 22.

Key changes include:

• Letters (1 oz.): 1-cent increase to 45 cents
• Postcards: 3-cent increase to 32 cents
• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.): 5-cent increase to 85 cents.
• Letters to other international destinations: 7-cent increase to $1.05

Prices will also change for other mailing services, including Periodicals, Package Services and others, according to the USPS.

A new domestic service, called Express Mail Flat Rate Box, will also go into effect Sunday. It will cost $39.95 with a weight limit of 70 pounds.

Priority Mail flat rate prices will also be adjusted:

• Small box — $5.35
• Medium box — $11.35
• Large box — $15.45
• Large APO/FPO/DPO box — $13.45
• Regular envelope — $5.15
• Legal-size and Padded envelope — $5.30

Postmaster General Patrick Donahue said in a statement on the USPS web site that the increase is “small” and is necessary “to help address [USPS'] current financial crisis.”

The USPS reportedly lost $8 billion in 2010 and is only legally allowed to increase prices up to the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation - which was 2.1 percent for this increase, according to the USPS.

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