Question
Hi.
When I was at the Post Office yesterday I found out that stamps are going up to 39 cents next month and other rates too. I haven't read it here before so I though I'd mention it.
Mel
Answer
The Shipping Assistant program ends Jan 5th so get ready to stand in line again.
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New 2006 rates page
http://pe.usps.com/2006rate/ratesandfees.htm
I couldn't find any mention of the Flat-Rate Priority Boxes and I was hoping they would stay at the same rate since they are still in "testing" mode. But my posties say they are going up to $8-something ($8.20? $8.40?).
Wondering if anyone can confirm that.
Living and shipping from California - I use those a LOT. They allow me to offer a decent priortiy rate for heavy books.
Answer
Selected Rate Changes Effective January 8, 2006
First-Class Letter (1 oz.): from 37¢ to 39¢
First-Class Letter (2 oz.): from 60¢ to 63¢
Postcard from: 23¢ to 24¢
Priority Mail (1 lb.): from $3.85 to $4.05
Express Mail (1/2 lb): from $13.65 to $14.40
Express Mail (2 lb): from $17.85 to $18.80
Fee and Service Changes
Certified Mail: from $2.30 to $2.40
Delivery Confirmation (Priority): from 45¢ to 50¢
Delivery Confirmation (First Class Parcels): from 55¢ to 60¢
Return Receipt (Original Signature): from $1.75 to $1.85
Return Receipt (Electronic): from $1.30 to $1.35
Money Orders (up to $500): from 90¢ to 95¢
GOVERNORS APPROVE CHANGE IN POSTAGE RATES
New rates go into effect January 8
WASHINGTON - The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service today voted to accept the Postal Rate Commission's recommendations to increase most postal rates and fees by approximately 5.4 percent across-the-board to take effect January 8.
This rate increase - the first since 2002 - is needed to fulfill the requirement of a federal law passed in 2003. That law requires the Postal Service to establish a $3.1 billion escrow account, with use of the funds to be determined by Congress at a later date. Without this federal mandate, it would not have been necessary to raise rates in 2006.
Among the rate adjustments, the single-piece rate for First-Class Mail will increase from 37 cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will increase by one cent to 24 cents. The Board of Governors of the Postal Service set January 8, 2006, as the effective date for the changes.
Jim Miller, Chairman of the Postal Service's Board of Governors, said: "The Governors take this action mindful of our obligation to assure the financial integrity of the nation's postal system. These increases will allow the Postal Service to meet the obligation established by Congress to place funds in escrow in 2006."
The Commission's Recommended Decision came after a proceeding in which most of the participants signed a settlement agreement adopting the Postal Service's uniform, across-the-board increase proposals. The settlement shortened to six months the Commission's administrative review, which normally takes ten months.
International rates, which are determined separately from domestic prices, will be adjusted to coincide with the domestic rate changes. International rates have not been adjusted since January 2001.
http://www.usps.com/communications/n...5/pr05_097.htm
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Insurance rates go up as well.
Parcels valued under $50 will run $1.35
Parcels valued over $50 will run $2.30 per $100 of coverage
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Does anyone know what the new rate will be for the flat rate priority mail box?
I don't use them often but gee, they are great for certain things! I've been unable to find the new rate in any of the post office rate increase publications and have emailed the USPS for information but have not yet heard back from anyone.
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This link includes the flat rate envelopes and boxes.
http://www.mailing.duq.edu/mailing/m...s/USPS2006.pdf
chloe
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Thank you for the link! The flat rate priority mail boxes will cost $8.10. The flat rate priority mail envelopes will cost $4.05.
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chloe my hero! I've been looking for that Flat-Rate Box price everywhere (except on the PDF file obviously ).