USPS Seeks Price Increases in 2017

The United States Postal Service (USPS) last week filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for 2017 mailing services prices.

The new prices, if approved, include a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, marking the first increase in three years. (First Class postage had dropped to 47 cents in April after USPS was required to remove the exigent surcharge that had been in effect for more than two years.) When it comes to postcards, letters being mailed to international destinations or additional ounces for letters, prices are not expected to change.

According to a press release, the First-Class Mail prices are:

Letters (1 oz.)
Current: 47 cents
New: 49 cents

Letters Additional Ounces
Current: 21 cents
New: 21 cents

Letters to All International Destinations
Current: $1.15
New: $1.15

Postcards
Current: 34 cents
New: 34 cents

Pricing for standard mail, periodicals, package services and extra services also will be adjusted next year. Of note, standard mail will be renamed marketing mail “to better align the product name with our customers’ use of this mail class,” said the USPS.

The PRC will review the prices before they take effect on Jan. 22, 2017.