The U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to increase mailing rates this summer, with a proposed effective date of July 12, pending federal regulatory approval. This increase is part of an overall hike of approximately 4.8 percent across various mailing services.
If approved, the cost of a First-Class Forever stamp would increase from 78 cents to 82 cents. Additionally, the price for a metered one-ounce letter would rise from 74 cents to 78 cents, while domestic postcards would see an increase from 61 cents to 65 cents. The cost for international postcards and one-ounce international letters would also rise, going from $1.70 to $1.75. The rate for each additional ounce on a single-piece letter would stay at 29 cents.
The Postal Service cited a significant financial crisis and rising operational costs as reasons for the proposed increases. The agency typically does not receive tax dollars for its operations and relies on postage sales and services for funding.
These proposed rates are not final and will need to be reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission before taking effect. Should the changes be approved, they will impact Denton residents and businesses, along with mailers across the country.
