U.S. Postal Service Increases The Price Of A Stamp

The U.S. Postal Service has implemented new postage rates for most mailing and shipping products on Sunday, January 27, 2019.

The price of mailing a 1st-class letter has increased from 50 cents to 55 cents. The cost of a "forever" stamp has also increased to 55 cents marking the largest percentage increase since 1991 when the cost of a stamp rose from 25 to 29 cents. Last year, the USPS increased the price from 49 cents to 50 cents.

Summary of the 2019 Postage Rate Increase:

Domestic Mailing:

• The First Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) rate for postage purchased at the Post Office will increase by five cents to $0.55 from $0.50.
• Each additional ounce for a First Class Mail letter will cost $0.15 (a decrease from $0.21).
• “Metered Mail” rates for First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.), which includes online postage providers and postage meters, will increase three cents to $0.50 from $0.47. Each additional ounce will cost $0.15.
• The five cent “Metered Mail” rate discount for a First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) compared to the Post Office rate represents a savings of 9%.
• First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelopes (1 oz.) rates will not increase and will remain at $1.00. Each additional ounce will cost $0.15.

Domestic Shipping:

• Priority Mail Express will see an overall rate increase of 3.9% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $22.68 (previously $21.98).
• Priority Mail will see an average rate increase of 5.9% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $6.95 (previously $6.55).
• First Class Package Service will see an average rate increase of 11.9% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $2.66.
• First Class Package Service will move to zone‑based pricing in 2019.
• Parcel Select Ground will see an average rate decrease of 1.3% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $6.85 (previously $6.55).
• Media Mail rates will increase by 2.9% in 2019. Rates will start at $2.75 (previously $2.66).

International Shipping:

• Priority Mail Express International will see an average rate increase of 3.9% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $42.00 (previously $40.38).
• Priority Mail International will see an average rate increase of 6.2% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $39.71 (previously $38.29).
• First Class Package International Service will see an average rate increase of 3.9% in 2019. Commercial Base (online postage) rates will start at $9.98 (previously $9.50).

The USPS reported a $3.9 billion loss last year, which the USPS blames on fewer people mailing, pension plans, and health care costs.