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USPS New Rates from July 2023 📬

Are you ready for another postage rate hike? If not, you better start preparing now. The United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for postage rate hikes to take effect July 9, 2023. The new rates include a three-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents¹. The proposed increases will raise First-Class Mail prices by approximately 5.4 percent to offset the rise in inflation¹. The price changes have been approved by the Governors of the U.S. Postal Service¹.

This will be the third rate hike in a year’s time². The previous two rate hikes took place on January 24 and August 29, 2023³. The USPS said that the price changes are necessary to ensure its financial stability and ability to provide reliable and affordable mail service to the American public.

First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: A Three-Cent Increase ✉️💰

Hold on tight because the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp is going up! Starting from July 9, 2023, you will need to shell out 66 cents for a stamp instead of the current 63 cents. That’s a three-cent increase! This rate adjustment has been approved by the Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, and it aims to counter the effects of rising inflation. Prepare to stock up on those stamps before the price hike takes effect!

The Domino Effect: Other Products and Services 🔄💼

But wait, there’s more! It’s not just the First-Class Mail Forever stamp that’s experiencing a price hike. The new rates will impact a range of USPS products and services, such as metered mail, domestic and international postcards, international letters, certified mail, post office box rental fees, money order fees, and insurance fees. The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service are taking comprehensive measures to tackle inflation and ensure the continued operation of these services.

Third Rate Hike in a Year 📈📆

Believe it or not, this will be the third rate hike in the span of just one year. The USPS is adapting to the changing economic landscape and striving to provide reliable services amidst inflationary pressures. While rate hikes may not be the most exciting news, it’s important to understand the reasons behind them to appreciate the USPS’s dedication to delivering your mail promptly and efficiently.

New Retail Rates: What to Expect 🏷️📦

The rate hikes will extend beyond First-Class Mail Forever stamps and affect a range of other USPS products and services. Here’s a breakdown of some of the changes that will take place from July 2023:

Letters (1 oz.): The price of sending a standard one-ounce letter will increase from 63 cents to 66 cents.
Letters (metered 1 oz.): Metered mail will see an increase from 60 cents to 63 cents.
Domestic Postcards: The cost of sending a domestic postcard will rise from 48 cents to 51 cents.
International Postcards: International postcards will be affected too, with the price going up from $1.45 to $1.50.
International Letter (1 oz.): The cost of sending an international letter weighing one ounce will also increase from $1.45 to $1.50.

It’s worth noting that the prices for single-piece letters and flat additional-ounce mail will remain unchanged at 24 cents. These adjustments aim to maintain fairness and affordability while addressing the growing costs associated with the postal service.

Price Change Percentages 📈💯

To give you a better idea of the overall impact of the rate hikes, let’s take a look at the percentage changes for various mail categories:

First-Class Mail: The prices for First-Class Mail will increase by approximately 5.378 percent.
USPS Marketing Mail: For USPS Marketing Mail, the rate hike will be around 5.381 percent.
Periodicals: The rate adjustment for Periodicals will be higher, at 8.122 percent.
Package Services: Package Services will see an increase of approximately 5.379 percent.
Special Services: The prices for Special Services, such as Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and the cost of purchasing insurance, will rise by approximately 5.429 percent.

First-Class Mail Price Changes 💌📈

Let’s delve into the specific changes in First-Class Mail prices for different categories:

Single-Piece Letters/Postcards: The price for single-piece letters and postcards will see a percent change of 4.757.
Presort Letters/Postcards: Presort letters and postcards will experience a percent change of 5.537.
Flats: The cost of sending flats will increase by approximately 7.145 percent.
Outbound Single-Piece: Outbound single-piece mail will undergo a percent change of 3.644.
First-Class Mail International: International mail sent through First-Class Mail will see a percent change of 0.064.
Inbound Letter Post: The cost of inbound letter post will remain unchanged.
Total First-Class Mail: Overall, First-Class Mail prices will rise by approximately 5.378 percent.

These price adjustments reflect the USPS’s efforts to balance rising costs and provide quality service to its customers.

Special Services: Seeking Price Adjustments 📦💼🏢

In addition to the aforementioned changes, USPS is also seeking price adjustments for its Special Services products. This includes Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and the cost of purchasing insurance when mailing an item. These adjustments are crucial for the USPS to continue offering these services with the utmost reliability and security.

How to Save Money on Postage in 2023 💰

If you are looking for ways to save money on postage in 2023, here are some tips you can try:

Buy Forever stamps before July 9, 2023. They will retain their value even after the rate hike and you can use them for any domestic letter up to one ounce.
Use online postage services such as Pitney Bowes or Stamps.com. They offer discounts on metered mail and other USPS products and services.
Compare prices and options with other carriers such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. They may offer better rates or faster delivery times for certain packages or destinations.
Use flat rate boxes or envelopes from the USPS. They have a fixed price regardless of weight or distance and can fit a variety of items⁸.

Conclusion: Preparing for the New Rates 🚚💼💸

As July 9, 2023, approaches, it’s essential to be aware of the impending rate hikes. The USPS is taking these measures to address inflation and sustain the quality of its services. With the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp increasing by three cents, and adjustments to various other products and services, it’s wise to plan ahead and stock up on stamps, if necessary. Stay informed and ensure your mail and packages continue to reach their destinations without any hiccups.

Remember, these rate adjustments may not be the most welcome news, but they are crucial for the USPS to maintain its operations and keep serving you effectively. So, keep an eye out for the new rates, adapt accordingly, and continue to support the United States Postal Service.

🚀 Stay Updated 🚀

To stay up to date with the latest USPS rates and changes, it is advisable to visit the official USPS website or consult your local post office. Keep in mind that these rates are subject to change in the future, reflecting the dynamic nature of postal services and the economy. Stay informed to make the most of your mailing experience!

We hope this article has helped you understand the USPS new rates from July 2023 and how they will impact you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!