Postage rates are increasing on Monday, May 11 for first class postage and other services. Thomson Post Mistress Paula Fuller said it's not too late to lock in the current rate by buying Forever Stamps.
"If you buy them today at today's price, it doesn't matter if you use them in numerous years to come, even 100 years from now, that stamp will still be good as a first class stamp, even though you paid 42 cents for it," she said.
But time is of the essence, because the Forever Stamp rate also will increase on Monday.
Postal rates and increases are not determined by the United States Postal Service, according to Ms. Fuller. She said a Board of Governors, appointed by the President of the United States, determines the rate increases.
"They make all the decisions for us, and we have no input on that at all," Ms. Fuller said.
Some, but not all, of the price increases being implemented Monday include:
- First Class stamps, from 42 cents to 44 cents
- Post cards, from 27 cents to 28 cents
- Flat rate express mail from $16.50 to $16.63
- Certified mail from $2.70 to $2.80
- Return receipt from $2.20 to $2.30
- Delivery confirmation from 65 cents to 80 cents
- Annual Bulk Rate permits from $180 to $185
- Money orders up to $500, from $1.05 to $1.10
- Post Office Box rentals for the number one sized box, from $21 to $22 per six months.
The Thomson Post Office, located on Jackson Street, is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) for more information.
