It's a fact that (sadly) nothing lasts forever, including U.S. postal rates.So, if you have any February mailing events coming up, think Valentines, birthday cards and packages, you might want to mail a bit early — by the last Saturday of this month.
It's a win-win situation, not only will those you get them be able to enjoy them longer but mailing U.S. cards and packages earlier can save you some $.
And who doesn't like that?
For anyone who hasn't yet know — some (not all) U.S. postal rates will increase on Sunday, Jan 27 (when post offices are closed). Unless you've pre-bought Forever stamps, the cost of mailing a 1st class letter will be 55 cents vs. the current 50 cents.
The almost good news is that the higher fees will not affect all 2019 postage costs, some will go down or remain the same; postal fees vary by the type of service used. That said, here's the most notable changes as of January 27, 2019:
- First-class mail letter (1 oz.) will be 55 cents: highest percentage rise since 1991 when it rose from 25 to 29 cents.
- Added letter ounce costs decrease: each additional oz. drops from 21 to 15 cents. Mailing a 2-ounce letter will be 70 cents vs the current 71 cents.
- Postcard card rates remain the same: 35 cents.
- Priority Mail prices jump by an average 5.9 percent: a small flat-rate Priority Rate box now $7.20 will cost $7.90; a medium Priority Rate box now $13.65 goes to $14.35.
- Priority Mail Express fees are up 3.9 percent: if mailing an ASAP envelope, the rate goes from $24.70 to $25.50.
WHY These Increases?
The USPS isn't funded by taxpayer dollars, but operates on the sale of its products and services. According to online sources, in 2018, the U.S. Postal Service lost nearly $4 billion citing losses to drops in mail volume and pension and health care costs. This was the 12th consecutive year that it reported a loss despite a growth in package shipping.
As a frequent card writer, I use a lot of stamps and pre-bought holiday stamps for 2019 a couple of weeks ago. This week, I'm writing out February birthday and anniversary cards using 50-cent Forever stamps purchased in 2018. I will be buying more stocking up on stamps (at the 50-cent rate) before Jan 27.
How about other U.S. postal users — will you stock up too or send less mail in 2019?
How about other U.S. postal users — will you stock up too or send less mail in 2019?
9 comments:
I don't use the US mail, except of course what is brought to our house. I went totally e everything and have bought exactly two books of stamps since 2010.. and the second book I still have half of them. I use them only to mail things that there is no way to pay on line. I have written 10 checks in 10 years, only because my hubby's club only takes checks for memebership which is yearly. I don't send cards or packages. the rare package I send I get it from Amazon and they send it... i read the post to Bob and he said it was harder to get 3 cent stamps, which we both remember than it is now for us to get 55 cent stamps..that said, 55 is a lot to spend for one letter.
I knew the price was increasing so I bought stamps last week.
I will still send cards and letters via mail when I think it appropriate. Most of our activities are done Online and email or Skype works well for informal communication. But sympathy cards, birthday cards, get-well cards and many others do require US mail. So I won't change my habits.
We bought some extra not long ago, but we may stock up a little more before the deadline.
Postage increases are to be expected.
Our postage is $1 for ordinary mail. I don't use stamps very often but when I do I use pensioner concession stamps.
I bought several sheets of stamps.
I don't use stamps often though, because my bills are paid by direct debit.
I still love letters and getting things in the mail........so I will keep on putting out that extra $$ .
Inspite of all new technology I love to send and receive handwritten cards
No matter where we live, governments are getting more and more interested in drawing money out of people 's pocket at any excuse.
I enjoyed reading your analytical and interesting post dear friend!
Post a Comment