Postal prices could increase this summer
By: Saleen Martin
USA Today
..... The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a handful of price increases, including a 5-cent increase for Forever stamps that could that take effect this summer. [2025]
.....
The changes would being on July 13 [2025] if approved by the Postal Regulatory commission, the federal agency that oversees the USPS.
...... Changes would increase mailing service product prices by 7.4%, the Post la Service stated in a news release.
..... Proposed price concession:
* First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: 78 cents.
* Additional-ounce price for single-piece letters: 29 cents
* Domestic postcards: 62 cents
* Letters (metered): 74 cents
* Letters: 78 cents
* International postcards: $1.70
* International letter: $1.70
..... According to the Post la Service, postal insurance would be reduced by 12%.
..... "As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization's Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world," the Postal service stated in the news release.
..... The increases are due in part to an attempt to eliminate the Postal Service's program for permanently bound printed matter in which at least 90% of the sheets are printed with advertising, editorial, or promotional mail.
.....
There is also a proposal to eliminate bulk mail service that allows businesses to send large volumes of advertising and promotional materials.
..... The elimination still need to be approved by the PRC, the USPS stated.
..... The price increases are just a few of the recent changes for the Post la Service, which has been impacted by President Donald Trump's federal cost-cutting efforts led by the Department of Government Efficiency.
..... Changes that went into effect this month [04/2025] are part of a 10-year "Delivering for America" plan that includes cutting jobs, new electric delivery trucks, and slower delivery for some rural customers.
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The Postal Service claims service changes will save the agency $36 billion over a decade. Most mail will be delivered in the same amount of time, while some may see slightly slower or faster delivery time, according to the Postal Service website.
..... "For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened," the postal service announced.
..... One popular product impacted by the increases are Forever stamps, which the Postal Service first issued in April 2007. The stamps has no expiration date and was introduced to make the transition from one stamp cost to the next a much smoother process, the postal service said.
..... A full list of the changes going into effect in July [2025] can be found at USPS.com
..... Contributing: Eric Lagatta, and Mike Snider, USA Today