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September 29,2024
The Forever Stamp just went up in price. How does the U.S. cost compare globally?
The cost of a Forever postage stamp has just gone up, under a U.S. Postal Service plan to boost the price of the first-class stamp to 73 cents from 68 cents — a price that was just raised in January.
The 5-cent increase went into effect on Sunday — now the the sixth price hike since January 2021.
Despite the string of increases, the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General says a U.S. postage stamp remains a bargain in the global marketplace, citing much higher prices in Europe and other areas (more on that below).
The U.S. Postal Service has been criticized in recent years as it resorted to measures such as slowing down the mail in response to its financial problems. Last year, the Government Accountability Office credited the agency with making some improvements, but it added that USPS "should continue taking steps to restore its financial viability and Congress should consider additional changes to USPS's unsustainable business model."
Are U.S. stamps still a good deal?
The price of a first-class stamp is cheaper in the U.S. than many other developed countries, according to a recent ranking by the USPS Office of the Inspector General, or OIG.
The office compared the U.S. to 30 other nations that were selected by country size and postal service revenue, as well as the ability to source reliable data. The list includes much of the European Union, along with countries such as Canada, Japan, Brazil and Russia.
In raw numbers, only four countries had cheaper stamps than the U.S. And while many postal services have raised prices in recent years, the U.S. increases were moderate compared to most nations in the sample.
"The price of a [USPS] stamp increased by 26 percent from June 2018 to June 2023 ($0.50 to $0.63)," the inspector general report states, "which is less than half of the average increase for our sample size (55 percent) during that period."
When the OIG adjusted its analysis for purchasing power parity — a currency conversion rate used to compare the relative affordability of goods in different countries — the U.S. had the lowest stamp price of the 31 postal services.
How stamp prices in the U.S. and other countries compare (adjusted)
The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General ranked 31 countries by the price of mailing a standard domestic letter in June 2023, adjusted for purchasing power parity. The metric accounts for the cost of living and other factors to compare how affordable stamps are in different countries.
Why do stamp prices keep going up?
You're not imagining it: Stamp prices have gone up more frequently, and by greater amounts. And inflation is only part of the story.
"The Postal Service increased the price of [first-class mail] 18 times since January 2000," according to the OIG report, "and has raised prices more frequently in recent years, increasing prices five times between January 2021 and January 2024."
The use of first-class mail, the Postal Service's main revenue driver, has long been in decline. In July 2007, the agency's volume of single-piece first class mail — things like bill payments, letters and cards — stood at 2.7 billion items. By June 2023, that volume had fallen by 68%, to 900 million.
That's not to say domestic first-class mail isn't profitable. In fiscal year 2022, its "cost coverage" topped 210%, "meaning its generated revenue was more than twice its attributable cost," according to the inspector general.
But the agency's costs have been rising. So while the cost of stamps was once largely linked to inflation, USPS now uses several criteria in its formula for raising prices, under rules that were eased in November 2020. The pricing equation now includes things like density: the Postal Service's need to deliver less mail — but to more addresses.
The rate hike also takes into account the agency's obligation to pay its retirees' pension and health benefits, an expense that is responsible for more of the new proposed rate hike than is inflation.
"This retirement rate authority is only available for 5 years," a USPS spokesperson told NPR, adding that 2024 "is the fourth year where the retirement authority would be utilized."
September 11, 2024
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The Postal Service’s new delivery vehicles aren’t going to win a beauty contest. They’re tall and ungainly. The windshields are vast. Their hoods resemble a duck bill. Their bumpers are enormous.
“You can tell that (the designers) didn’t have appearance in mind,” postal worker Avis Stonum said.
Odd appearance aside, the first handful of Next Generation Delivery Vehicles that rolled onto postal routes in August in Athens, Georgia, are getting rave reviews from letter carriers accustomed to cantankerous older vehicles that lack modern safety features and are prone to breaking down — and even catching fire.
Within a few years, the fleet will have expanded to 60,000, most of them electric models, serving as the Postal Service’s primary delivery truck from Maine to Hawaii.
Once fully deployed, they’ll represent one of the most visible signs of the agency’s 10-year, $40 billion transformation led by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who’s also renovating aging facilities, overhauling the processing and transportation network, and instituting other changes.
September 04, 2024
Priority Mail Express
Next-Day to 2-Day Guarantee by 6 PM2
Our fastest domestic shipping service, Priority Mail Express® delivers 7 days a week, 365 days a year (with limited exceptions). Next-day delivery is available to most U.S. addresses and PO Box™1 addresses with a money-back guarantee2. With our free Flat Rate Envelopes, you don’t need to weigh shipments 70 lbs and under. Purchase Priority Mail Express postage and shipping labels at a Post Office™ location or online. Prices start at $30.45 at a Post Office. (Ship online with enhanced Click-N-Ship service and get lower Commercial Rates.)
Priority Mail
Shipping in 1–3 Business Days4
Priority Mail® is our bestselling mail service. Domestic deliveries arrive in 1-3 business days4 depending on where your package starts and where it’s going. Tracking and insurance are included, shipping boxes and envelopes are free, and with Priority Mail Flat Rate®, you don't need to weigh shipments 70 lbs and under. Purchase Priority Mail postage and shipping labels at a Post Office or online. Prices start at $9.25 at a Post Office. (Ship online with enhanced Click-N-Ship service and get lower Commercial Rates. Businesses can get additional savings by opting in to the Business Rate Card.)
September 03, 2024
New Stamp Designs to be Released this year!
The Hanukkah stamp will be released on September 19 in Washington, D.C., while the Kwanzaa one will be released on September 15 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
August 23, 2024
USPS Flat Rate Pricing
USPS offers flat rate pricing options for shipping packages of various sizes and weights. These Flat Rate boxes can be a cost-effective option for shipping heavier items.
To see the USPS Flat Rate Rates you can visit: USPS Flat Rates
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$8.05 Commercial Pricing $9.65 at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Passports & Passport Applications Documents Manuscripts |
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$8.05 Commercial Pricing $9.65 at Post Office & Online |
10″ x 5″ 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Pre-addressed Envelopes |
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$8.05 Commercial Pricing $9.65 at Post Office & Online |
10″ x 6″ |
Small Documents Oversized Greeting Cards Gift Cards |
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$8.80 Commercial Pricing $10.40 at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Clothing Books Boxed Jewelry |
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$8.35 Commercial Pricing $9.95 at Post Office & Online |
15″ x 9 1/2″ |
Legal Documents |
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$8.55 Commercial Pricing $10.20 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ Inside: 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
Brochures Small Electronics |
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$14.75 Commercial Pricing $17.10 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ Inside: 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
Office Supplies Shoes |
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$14.75 Commercial Pricing $17.10 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ Inside: 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
Office Supplies Shoes |
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$19.90 Commercial Pricing $22.80 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Laptop Computers Gifts etc. |
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$18.35 Commercial Pricing $21.20 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Sending Gifts to Troops |
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Large Flat Rate Board Game Box |
$19.90 Commercial Pricing $22.80 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″ Inside: 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ |
Board Games |
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From $9.65 at Post Office & Online |
Various Sizes Available |
Various Options |
Forever Stamps
Forever stamps are a type of postage stamp issued by the USPS that can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamp was purchased. They are called "forever" stamps because they retain their value even if postal rates increase in the future.
The Forever® Stamp is a special non-denominated stamp that was issued to save customers time and money, especially when First-Class Mail® prices change. The Forever Stamp always represents the current price of a one (1) ounce First-Class Mail postage.
If you purchase a single Forever Stamp today, it will cost you the same as a First Cass Mail Stamp which is $0.63
All commemorative stamps, which celebrate distinguished artists, athletes, historic milestones, natural wonders, and more, are issued as Forever Stamps.
Stampchest.com offers a wide variety of Forever stamps at unbeatable prices for your convenience.
- Shipping Supplies: It's important to have the right shipping supplies on hand when shipping a lot of mail. This includes boxes, envelopes, packing materials, tape, and labels. The USPS offer free supplies for Priority and Priority Express Packaging.
You can visit the USPS’s website for free supplies through the link here : FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SUPPLIES
Shipping Tips
- Choose the right box size: We encourage our customers to select a box that is just the right size for their items. Using a box that is too large can lead to items shifting during transit, increasing the risk of damage.
- Use appropriate cushioning materials: We suggest using cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper to protect the items inside the box. These materials help absorb shocks and prevent items from moving around.
- Wrap fragile items individually: If you are shipping fragile items, we advise you to wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or foam padding. This provides an extra layer of protection against impact.
- Seal the box securely: We recommend using strong packing tape to seal the box. We also encourage our customers to use multiple layers of tape to ensure the box remains closed during transit.
- Label the package clearly: We remind our customers to clearly label the package with the recipient's address and their own return address. This helps ensure the package reaches its intended destination and can be returned if necessary.
- Consider insurance: If you are shipping valuables or delicate items, we suggest considering purchasing shipping insurance. This provides financial protection in case of loss or damage during transit.
Shipping Services - Which one is best for your needs
- Priority Mail: This service offers fast and reliable delivery for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. It includes free tracking and insurance up to $50. Priority Mail also provides flat-rate options, where you can ship as much as you can fit in a specific box size for a fixed price.
- First-Class Mail: This is a cost-effective option for lightweight packages weighing up to 13 ounces. It offers reliable delivery within 1-3 business days and includes tracking for most packages. First-Class Mail is a great choice for small items like envelopes, postcards, and lightweight merchandise.
- Media Mail: This service is specifically designed for shipping educational materials, such as books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and other media. It offers a lower cost for shipping media items, but delivery may take longer compared to other services.
International Services
Secure, Affordable Global Shipping
USPS® international mail services go to more than 180 countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia. Global Express Guaranteed®, Priority Mail Express International®, and Priority Mail International® services include international tracking and some insurance.
Choose a service based on delivery speed or price.
Use Click-N-Ship® service to print postage and address labels online, plus get help with filling out customs forms (including more-detailed package descriptions required by countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules).
Compare USPS mail services by starting retail prices, shipping time, and more. Most services automatically include USPS Tracking®, and you can add insurance and extra services.
You can compare by going to the USPS website at Compare International Mail Services
How to Send a Package: International
Domestic Packages | International Packages
Learn how to send packages from the U.S. to other countries, whether you:
- Bring your package to a Post Office™ location.
- Create and print your own customs form, which saves a lot of time.
- Use Click-N-Ship® service for everything: Buy postage, print labels and customs forms, and even schedule a pickup.
For sending letters under 3.5 oz and large envelopes under 15.994 oz to other countries, see How to Send a Letter: International.
You can also, go Here for Further Details
Customs Forms
Filling Out Customs Forms Online
When you ship items from the U.S. to another country, you must fill out customs forms (except for First-Class Mail International® letters and large envelopes under 15.994 oz):
- The form you need depends on the USPS® mail service you use (and the total value of what you send).
- You can print just a customs form or use Click-N-Ship® service to pay for postage and print an international shipping label and a customs form.
Further Details can be found HERE
We hope we were able to help you a bit with your shipping needs, not only with our great deals and pricing but with the information we provide to you. If you ever have any questions or concerns we are more than happy to help. Thank you!