INDIANA – Americans will soon face higher costs for mailing services as the United States Postal Service (USPS) implements the second phase of a two-part plan designed to reduce agency costs. Price increases are scheduled to begin on July 1 and officially take effect on July 13.
Mailing services are expected to see an approximate 7.4% increase. Specifically, the price of First-Class Forever stamps and one-ounce letters will rise from 73 cents to 78 cents. Domestic postcards will increase from 56 cents to 62 cents, while international postcards and letters will go from $1.65 to $1.70. Customers can purchase stamps at USPS facilities, online, or through retail outlets like grocery stores, pharmacies, and office supply stores.
This upcoming price adjustment follows Phase One changes that went into effect on April 1, which primarily impacted mail delivery times for some customers. Despite these initial changes, the USPS stated that the majority of first-class mail customers did not experience significant delays. The agency had previously announced that 75% of First-Class Mail would retain its current service standards, with about 14% of recipients potentially seeing improved delivery times. However, approximately 11% of customers were informed that they might experience a delivery delay of one to two days.
To help customers track their deliveries, the USPS website now offers an interactive tool that displays available mail classes and their expected delivery dates. Despite any potential delays, the agency has committed that Americans will still receive their mail within one to five days.
Under the Phase One changes, drivers were also granted the ability to leave facilities earlier to cover longer distances and drop off packages.
These price and service adjustments are part of the USPS’s “Delivering for America” initiative. This ten-year plan aims to enhance USPS service, foster financial stability for the agency, and invest in its infrastructure. The USPS website indicates a planned $40 billion investment in personnel, delivery, processing, retail operations, technology systems, equipment, and other areas. The service changes implemented this year are projected to save the agency $36 billion over the next decade
