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New postage rates go into effect on Monday, May 14, including a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 41 cents. Post Offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also one and two-cent stamps for customers who still have a supply of 39-cent stamps.
There also is a new change where the shape of a package will be factored into the cost of shipping, not just the weight. This could have a big impact on folks who are selling on eBay so be sure to take note of the new guidelines.
The below charts provide examples of some of the new rates and fees:
| Selected Rates |
Effective May 14 |
| First-Class Letter (1 oz.) |
41¢ |
| First-Class Letter (2 oz.) |
58¢ |
| Postcard |
26¢ |
| Priority Mail (1 lb.) |
$4.60 |
| Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box |
$8.95 |
| Express Mail (1/2 lb) |
$16.25 |
| NEW Express Mail (1 lb) |
$19.50 |
| Express Mail (2 lb) |
$21.40 |
| Fee and Services |
Effective May 14 |
| Certified Mail |
$2.65 |
| Delivery Confirmation (Priority) |
65¢ |
| Delivery Confirmation (First Class Parcels) |
75¢ |
| Return Receipt (Original Signature) |
$2.15 |
| Return Receipt (Electronic) |
85¢ |
| Money Orders (up to $500) |
$1.05 |
In addition to the new domestic rates, changes will take effect May 14 for customers sending international mail. USPS has simplified its eight main international products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International. New packaging will allow mailers to use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging for shipping both within the United States and to other countries. For details of the International Mail changes, go to: http://www.usps.com/ratecase and select "New International Rates, Fees and Country Listing."
More Links:
The Shape (Dimensions) of Your Packages Now Matters:
A new Postal Service approach to pricing will reshape the future of mail on May 14, enabling customers to save money by in some cases simply folding the contents of an envelope. The new pricing system is based on the shape of mail, not just the weight, reflecting the fact that the costs for handling letters, large envelopes and packages differs. Customers can reduce their mailing costs simply by choosing different packaging.
For example, if the contents of a First Class Mail large envelope are folded and placed in a letter-sized envelope, customers can reduce postage by as much as 39 cents per piece. If the contents of a First Class Mail package are laid out to fit into a large envelope, customers can save 33 cents per piece.
Shaped-based pricing, in effect, creates a more flexible rate system by giving mailers the opportunity to obtain lower rates if they find ways to configure their mail into shapes that reduce handling costs for the Postal Service and that helps to keep rates affordable for everyone.
With the new emphasis on shape in its pricing, the Postal Service is also reducing the additional ounce rate on May 14. As mail pieces become heavier, the new additional ounce price declines. For letters over one ounce, the new prices are actually lower than the current prices.
Breast Cancer Research Stamps
Also on May 14 the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp goes on sale at the new 55-cent price. Since 1998, the Postal Service has raised more than $53 million for breast cancer research through the sale of this semipostal stamp.
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