Costs for U.S. Postage Increase

The cost for postage rises one cent (photo
by Valeria Sistrunk)

The U.S. Postal Service is making big changes.  The cost to mail a letter shot up one penny from 45 cents to 46 cents. The postal service says overall prices for mailing and shipping services have increased by four percent.  It may not seem like a big increase, but some people think one cent can have a major affect on their wallet.

Hanai Cole, a FAMU graduate said, “I’m actually annoyed about the prices going up, and I heard that there was something posted in the post office saying it would change in October. However, even though it’s just a penny going up, it does make all of a difference.”

Postcard postage costs have also went up to 33 cents, with priority mail prices rising 6.3 percent.  The U.S. Postal Service will also introduce their new global “forever stamp”.  This new stamp will allow customers to mail first-class letters anywhere in the world for the set price of $1.10.

Imani Hill, a psychology student who frequently uses FAMU’s campus post office, said, “It’s just an inconvenience.  It might not seem like a big difference at first, but I’m a college student and pennies can add up.”

The hike in prices comes as the postal service struggles with debt, caused by the economic downturn and a rise in electronic mail, or email. In a released statement, The U.S. Postal Service said, “The postal service is not subsidized by tax dollars. As with any other business, when prices for fuel, labor and transportation rise, the sale of postal products and services must increase to cover operating expenses.”

Since 2006, the U.S. Postal Service has increased the prices of stamps five times, from 39 cents to 46 cents.  The mailing service also says they are focused on cost reduction, actions and increasing efficiency.  Each of the past several years, The U.S. Postal service has taken more than a billion dollars in costs out of the system.

For an entire list of the new price changes visit: http://www.pe.usps.com