The U.S. Postal Service plans to implement a postage rate increase this summer, pending approval from federal regulators. The proposed changes, announced on April 9, would take effect on July 12. Princeton residents and businesses would be affected by these new rates, along with mailers across the country.
If approved, the cost of a First-Class Forever stamp would go up from 78 cents to 82 cents. Additionally, the price for a metered one-ounce letter would rise from 74 cents to 78 cents. Domestic postcards would see an increase from 61 cents to 65 cents. For international mail, both postcards and one-ounce letters would change from $1.70 to $1.75. The charge for each additional ounce on a single-piece letter would stay at 29 cents.
The Postal Service cites a severe financial crisis and increasing operating costs as reasons for the proposed hikes. The agency typically does not receive tax funding for its operations, relying instead on the sale of postage, products, and services. These potential price adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the Postal Service's finances amid a long-term restructuring plan.
