Mail Today! Stamp Price Increase 1/8/05

[AGDLynn]

It will cost Americans 2 cents more to mail a letter starting Sunday. First-class postage rises to 39 cents for the first ounce.

The increase follows legislation requiring the Postal Service to place $3 billion in an escrow account this year. Another rate boost is likely next year to cover rising costs for the agency. Stamp prices last went up in June 2002.
Listen Now: Another postal rate hike takes effect tomorrow, though few patrons seem to be complaining. (requires Real Player)

Many rates, such as parcel post and advertising mail, vary by distance or whether the material is presorted. Rate changes taking effect, including some estimates for typical mailed items:

_Post card, and each additional ounce in first class, up 1 cent to 24 cents.

_Letter to Canada or Mexico, 1 ounce, up 3 cents to 63 cents.

_Letter to other foreign countries, 1 ounce, up 4 cents to 84 cents.

_Priority Mail, 1 pound, up 20 cents to $4.05.

_Express Mail, 8 ounces, up 75 cents to $14.40.

_Certified mail, up 10 cents to $2.40.

_Money orders up 5 cents to 95 cents.

_Delivery confirmation, up 5 cents to 60 cents.

_Weekly news magazine, 5.8 ounces, presorted, up 1 cent to 18.5 cents.

_Household magazine, 13.8 ounces, presorted, up 1.5 cents to 28.9 cents.

_Small nonprofit publication, presorted, up 1.4 cents to 28.3 cents.

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