U.S. Postal Services Prices Set to Go Up on Sunday

This JFK Forever stamp is being introduced on Feb. 20. But it, and all other First Class stamps, will cost 49 cents when prices rise on Sunday.

At 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, First Class stamps will cost 49 cents. USPS says it will also increase postage prices on other products, such as Standard Mail, periodicals and package services.

USPS says the postage increases are happening because of the removal of an exigent surcharge, implemented to help the postal service recoup Great Recession losses.

While direct mailers have been watching USPS closely, this price increase may come as a surprise to consumers. The postal service says the last time it increased stamp prices was in January 2014.

First Class mail prices, starting on Sunday

Catalog advocates seem to be accepting the increases. On Wednesday, Target Marketing heard this from Hamilton Davison, president and executive director of the American Catalog Mailers Association:

“We are pleased with how this price change played out for catalogers, and that the postal service and its regulator listened to our input and ran with it. Most notably, Flats Sequencing System (FSS)-specific rates for flats will be eliminated, allowing catalogers to claim the rate for the distribution density their books qualify for, regardless of whether it is in an FSS zone or not. We're also excited that maximum weight of Standard Mail flats that pay piece rates only will increase from 3.3 ounces to 4.0 ounces to add value to the mail by allowing senders of automation, non-automation and Carrier Route flats to improve the quality of their mailpieces. This extends to High Density and Saturation mail, as well..”

PRC listing of postal price increases

PRC listing of postage increases

Today’s Postal Bulletin includes more information about the price increases, as well as the current and upcoming mailing promotions. (Opens as a PDF)

A current promotion had a registration deadline of Dec. 31. The rest are open or will open during 2017:

• Earned Value Reply Mail Promotion (January–June 2017);
• Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement Promotion (February–July 2017);
• Emerging and Advanced Technology Promotion (March–August 2017);
• NEW – Direct Mail Starter Promotion (May–July 2017);
• Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion (July–December 2017); and
• Mobile Shopping Promotion (August–December 2017).