The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced plans to raise mailing service prices this summer, including a 4-cent increase for its widely used First-Class Forever stamp. The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would also raise Periodicals rates by an average of 6.8 percent and Marketing Mail (MM) prices by an average of 4.8 percent. The MM rates vary from only 1.36% for High-Density and Saturation flats, to 7.219% for carrier route.
The proposal, submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission, would take effect July 12 if approved.
Under the proposed changes, the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp would rise from 78 cents to 82 cents. Metered one-ounce letters would increase from 74 cents to 78 cents, while domestic postcards would climb from 61 cents to 65 cents. International postcards and one-ounce letters would both increase from $1.70 to $1.75.
Overall, the Postal Service estimates the adjustments would raise mailing service prices by approximately 4.8 percent. The additional-ounce fee for single-piece letters would remain unchanged at 29 cents.
Postal officials said the increases are part of broader efforts to address ongoing financial challenges and rising operational costs. The agency emphasized that it relies primarily on revenue from postage and services, as it typically does not receive taxpayer funding for operating expenses.
“The Postal Service is using all available tools to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation,” the agency said in a statement, noting that U.S. mailing prices remain among the most affordable globally despite the proposed changes. In addition to First-Class Mail adjustments, the Postal Service is seeking price changes for other categories, including Periodicals, USPS Marketing Mail, Package Services and select Special Services products.
The PRC will review the proposal before issuing a final decision. Full details of the filing are available through the commission’s public records system.
With this proposed rate increased, The Eureka Herald will be forced to raise mailed subscription rates. Those subscribers wishing to renew at the current rate are encouraged to renew prior to July and extend their subscription prior to the increase.
