The Wall Street Journal-20080212-Postal Rates to Climb in May- First-Class Stamp Rises a Cent

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Postal Rates to Climb in May; First-Class Stamp Rises a Cent

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Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Mailing a letter will soon cost a penny more. The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 42 cents starting May 12, the U.S. Postal Service said.

The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same time, meaning those stamps can still be purchased for 41 cents but will remain good for first-class postage after the rate increase takes effect.

The post office has sold five billion Forever stamps since April and plans to have an additional five billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change, the agency said.

The charge for other services, such as advertising mail, periodicals, packages special services will also change. Changes in the price for Priority Mail and Express Mail will be announced later, the agency said.

Other increases set to take effect in May are:

-- Large envelope, 2 ounces, $1, up three cents.

-- Money Orders up to $500, $1.05, unchanged.

-- Certified mail, $2.70, up five cents.

-- First-class international letter to Canada or Mexico, 72 cents, up three cents.

-- First-class international letter to other countries, 94 cents, up four cents.

Postage rates last went up in May, with a first-class stamp jumping two cents to the current 41-cent rate.