In an era where digital communication reigns supreme, there remains a steadfast symbol of tradition and reliability: the postage stamp.

For many, stamps evoke memories of handwritten letters, holiday cards, and important documents sent across miles to connect us with loved ones and the world.

But as we continue to cherish this tangible link to our past, we must brace ourselves for the winds of change that are set to make this connection a bit more costly.

The United States Postal Service (USPS), an institution that has been a cornerstone of American society since its inception, is proposing a rate increase that could see the price of a first-class “forever” stamp climb from 73 cents to a notable 78 cents.

If the Postal Regulatory Commission gives the green light to this proposal, the new rates would come into effect on July 13, marking a significant shift in the cost of mailing services.

The US Postal Service is proposing to increase the price of a first-class “forever” stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. Image source: WFAA / Youtube.

Understanding the Numbers: A 7.4% Increase
The proposed rate hike is not just limited to stamps. Postcards, metered letters, and international mail are all set to experience similar increases, averaging out to an approximate 7.4% rise in mailing services product prices.

This move is part of a broader strategy by the USPS to achieve financial stability in the face of ongoing challenges.

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The USPS has long been a self-funded entity, relying on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.

However, with the decline of first-class mail volumes due to the rise of electronic communication, the agency has faced financial hurdles.

The proposed rate increase is a response to these challenges, aiming to align the USPS's pricing with the costs of providing its services.

The Legacy of Louis DeJoy and the Path Forward
Former US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who served for nearly five years, was no stranger to controversy during his tenure.

He often spoke of the need for “uncomfortable” rate hikes to rectify what he described as a “defective pricing model” that had persisted for at least a decade.

DeJoy's departure came amidst discussions by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) about the potential privatization of mail service—a move that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the USPS.


Source: WFAA / Youtube.

With Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino stepping in as the acting postmaster general, the USPS Board of Governors is tasked with finding a permanent replacement for DeJoy.

Meanwhile, Trump has floated the idea of placing USPS under the control of the DOGE in an effort to curb losses at the agency, which operates on an annual budget of $78 billion.

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Key Takeaways

• The US Postal Service is proposing to increase the price of a first-class “forever” stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents.
• The rate increase proposal, which also includes hikes for postcards, metered letters, and international mail, would take effect on July 13 if approved.
• This proposed change represents a price rise of approximately 7.4% across mailing services products, reflecting an attempt to achieve financial stability.
• Former U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy had warned of such "uncomfortable" rate hikes and highlighted issues with the previous pricing model; he stepped down recently amidst discussions about postal service privatization.

How do you feel about the proposed USPS rate increase? Will it affect how often you send mail? Do you have any tips for making the most of the postal service in these changing times? Share your thoughts, experiences, and advice in the comments below!

 

[Uspsclerk]

DeJoy -He had no idea of the working of the Postal Service It's a SERVICE not a business.Those of us in rural areas suffer from the lack of services, If allowed to go to privatization. We will be WITHOUT another service. I worked with ups,dhl Fed Ex they Do not provide Service unless they make money. They drop off mail and packages at the PO and have the USPS finish delivery for them. I disliked DHL the worst They would sell Express mail to customers Than tell the customers it was at The Wheaton PO, When I call DHL I was told it was in either Fargo ND or Sioux Falls SD and when they got a load. Which was at best once a week.But the customers would call everyday. With That it was USPS problem that why wouldn't we deliver.Some customer missed their airline tickets using DHL UPS was the same they tell the customers it was delivered to Post Office today for delivery.The only thing was ups dropped off packages an hour and half after the carriers had left on their routes so was a day late from what they told customers The USPS is a separate Gov agency should not be added to another Gov program. It is and should be a stand alone agency at a SERVICE.

 

[faye mathis]

I get very few cards now, please do not raise prices

 

[nitram]

We have used one or two postage stamps in the past year, the impact to us like the vast majority of average Americans is in reality a dime every couple of years.

Now here is a common sense exercise, put a letter in an envelope and address it for a destination 1,000 miles away, now find anyone or any business to pick up and deliver it up and deliver it for $5 except for the USPS.

Sorry but the price of the service of the USPS is dirt cheap at triple the present price.

 

[Arkie98]

Modern Technology taking over. But many still rely on the USPO. I enjoy getting letters and do not use my computer to pay bills etc.