The
cost of mailing a letter is a month away from increasing by three cents. That
means the rate will be 49 cents for a first-class stamp.
But
many consumers won't have to pay the extra cost immediately. That's because
'forever stamps' can be purchased at the lower price until the new rate is
effect Jan. 26.
The
temporary rate increase will remain in effect only until the Postal Service can
recoup $2.8 billion in losses. The independent Postal Regulatory Commission
rejected a request to make the price hike permanent.
Bulk
mail, periodicals and package service rates will rise 6 percent. The new price
of a postcard stamp, raised by a penny to 34 cents in November, also is
effective next month.
The
post office has been hit hard by declining mail volume because of the recession
and growing Internet use. It also struggles because Congress requires it to
prepay $5.6 billion annually for the health care costs of future retirees.
