US Postal Stamps Going Up To $0.44 On May 11, 2009 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 02-11-2009, 09:40 AM

Stamp prices to go up 2-cents in May
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press Writer
– Tue Feb 10, 4:21 pm ET

The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents on May 11.

That gives plenty of time to stock up on Forever Stamps, which will continue to sell at the current 42-cent rate until the increase occurs. They will remain valid in the future regardless of rate hikes.

"The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today," said Postmaster General John Potter. "Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world."

Postage rates go up annually in May, with the new prices announced in February. The overall change is tied to the rate of inflation in the year before.

While the new 44-cent rate covers the first ounce of first-class mail, the price for each additional ounce will remain unchanged at 17-cents.

Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household $3-a-year.

Buffeted by rising costs and declining mail volume, the Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year and, unless the economy turns around, is headed toward much larger losses this year.

The agency could have cited extraordinary circumstances and asked the independent Postal Regulatory Commission for larger increases, but officials felt that would only result in a greater decline in mail volume.

The post office has been cutting costs, reducing work hours, and has asked Congress to ease requirements for advance funds for retiree benefits and to allow mail to be delivered five days a week instead of six.

Other changes taking effect May 11:

• The postcard stamp increases 1-cent to 28 cents.

• The first ounce of a large envelope increases 5 cents to 88 cents.

• The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22.

• New international postcard and letter prices are, for one ounce, 75 cents to Canada; 79 cents to Mexico; and 98 cents elsewhere.

Most Postal Service shipping services prices were adjusted in January and will not change in May.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090210/...t/postal_rates

MonarC · 02-11-2009, 10:37 AM

dakert · 02-11-2009, 12:20 PM

What about all the eBay junk I have been winning--That has to be helping out the post office??

LuLu Rogers · 02-11-2009, 04:20 PM

Chocoholic · 02-11-2009, 04:25 PM

Cliff Clavin, I blame you!

(OK, I can't really blame him, but he is a mailman.)

MickeyMac · 02-11-2009, 04:49 PM

everything goes up but your wages.

Janice · 02-11-2009, 04:53 PM

The Internet must be crushing the postal service, with e-cards, e-gifts, e-mail, internet banking, etc. I use a fraction of the stamps that I previously used.

MonarC · 02-11-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocoholic

Cliff Clavin, I blame you!

(OK, I can't really blame him, but he is a mailman.)

Don't forget Newman from Seinfeld.

catlover79 · 02-11-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonarC

Don't forget Newman from Seinfeld.

MonarC · 02-11-2009, 05:09 PM

Jude The Obscure · 02-11-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

The Internet must be crushing the postal service, with e-cards, e-gifts, e-mail, internet banking, etc. I use a fraction of the stamps that I previously used.

Exactly! About 15 years ago, i was going through a book of stamps by the week. these days, a book lasts me almost two months.

Zoneboy · 02-11-2009, 09:13 PM

I don't pay a dime for postage stamps, I just have JJ paint them on the envelopes.

catlover79 · 02-11-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I don't pay a dime for postage stamps, I just have JJ paint them on the envelopes.

HA!! I remember that one.

dawsongirl · 02-12-2009, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakert

What about all the eBay junk I have been winning--That has to be helping out the post office??

I'm sure it does. It's people who do things online instead of mailing letters and other first class mail that are causing stamps to go up. Technology.

Although people may not be buying as much stuff either, so less stuff sent.... Evil circle.

Perhaps if people sent more stuff USPS instead of UPS and FedEx.....

Zoneboy · 02-12-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

I'm sure it does. It's people who do things online instead of mailing letters and other first class mail that are causing stamps to go up. Technology.

The postal service charges less rates for those that buy postage online. Here's an example for a package I recently shipped to California

02-11-2009, 09:40 AM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,153	US Postal Stamps Going Up To $0.44 On May 11, 2009 Stamp prices to go up 2-cents in May By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press Writer – Tue Feb 10, 4:21 pm ET The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents on May 11. That gives plenty of time to stock up on Forever Stamps, which will continue to sell at the current 42-cent rate until the increase occurs. They will remain valid in the future regardless of rate hikes. "The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today," said Postmaster General John Potter. "Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world." Postage rates go up annually in May, with the new prices announced in February. The overall change is tied to the rate of inflation in the year before. While the new 44-cent rate covers the first ounce of first-class mail, the price for each additional ounce will remain unchanged at 17-cents. Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household $3-a-year. Buffeted by rising costs and declining mail volume, the Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year and, unless the economy turns around, is headed toward much larger losses this year. The agency could have cited extraordinary circumstances and asked the independent Postal Regulatory Commission for larger increases, but officials felt that would only result in a greater decline in mail volume. The post office has been cutting costs, reducing work hours, and has asked Congress to ease requirements for advance funds for retiree benefits and to allow mail to be delivered five days a week instead of six. Other changes taking effect May 11: • The postcard stamp increases 1-cent to 28 cents. • The first ounce of a large envelope increases 5 cents to 88 cents. • The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22. • New international postcard and letter prices are, for one ounce, 75 cents to Canada; 79 cents to Mexico; and 98 cents elsewhere. Most Postal Service shipping services prices were adjusted in January and will not change in May. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090210/...t/postal_rates

02-11-2009, 04:20 PM	#4
LuLu Rogers Colonel Brandon Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 23, 2004 Location: The Hogwarts Dungeons Posts: 11,013
	__________________ -Lauren- "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death."-Professor Severus Snape

02-11-2009, 10:37 AM	#2
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525

02-11-2009, 12:20 PM	#3
dakert Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2007 Location: Altoona PA Posts: 3,411	What about all the eBay junk I have been winning--That has to be helping out the post office??

02-11-2009, 04:25 PM	#5
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	Cliff Clavin, I blame you! (OK, I can't really blame him, but he is a mailman.)

02-11-2009, 04:49 PM	#6
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	everything goes up but your wages.

02-11-2009, 04:53 PM	#7
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	The Internet must be crushing the postal service, with e-cards, e-gifts, e-mail, internet banking, etc. I use a fraction of the stamps that I previously used.

02-11-2009, 05:09 PM	#10
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525

02-11-2009, 09:13 PM	#12
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,416	I don't pay a dime for postage stamps, I just have JJ paint them on the envelopes.