Postal Rates Going Up in April

The Associated Press is reporting postal rates will go up again in April, but the cost of sending the basic letter will remain the same.

According to the report, "The post office said the 44-cent price of a first-class stamp won't change, but heavier letters will cost more. The basic rate is for the first ounce, and the price for each extra ounce will rise from 17 cents to 20 cents."

Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe is quoted in the piece as saying, ""While changing prices is always a difficult decision, we have made every effort to keep the impact minimal for consumers and customers doing business with us at retail lobbies."

Its filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission also said the agency expects to raise rates annually in mid-April. The last rate increase was in May 2009.

Other decisions on rates included:

— Post cards will rise by a penny to 29 cents.

— Letters to Canada or Mexico increase to 80 cents, from 75 cents to Canada and 79 cents to Mexico.

— Letters to other international destinations will remain unchanged at 98 cents.

— Express Mail and Priority Mail prices are not affected.

—There will be a variety of price changes for other mailing services, including advertising mail, periodicals and packages.

Shown above, postal rate increases since 1885.

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