Mailing Letter to Cost 34 Cents

The cost of mailing a letter in the United States will increase from 33 cents to 34 cents--part of a package of new postal rates that go into effect Sunday.

The transition to the new rates has been relatively smooth--unlike that of two years ago, when news of a rate increase sent panicked customers to the post office for new stamps.

“So far we really have not seen much of an impact at the post offices,” said Terri Bouffiou. “We’re hopeful that people have gotten the message that they don’t have to panic, that there are plenty of stamps out there.”

The new stamps went on sale Dec. 15 and are available at all post offices. One-cent stamps can be used with 33-cent stamps, Bouffiou said, and are available in large numbers.

The cost of mailing a letter decreases after the first ounce: the rate for each additional ounce has decreased from 22 cents to 21 cents. The cost of mailing a postcard remains 20 cents.

In addition to the new rate for letters, the cost of mailing a two-pound Priority Mail package has increased from $3.20 to $3.95. A new one-pound rate is available for $3.50. The cost of mailing a half-pound Express Mail package will increase to $12.25.

The Postal Rate Commission approved the rate increase in November after months of hearings, including testimony submitted by 177 witnesses. The increased rates will offset rising costs.