Postage stamps to cost 2 cents more

Postage stamps to cost 2 cents more

The cost for mailing a 1-ounce first-class letter will increase from 42 cents to 44 cents on Monday. Many other postal rates also change that day.

However, customers can continue to mail letters at today's prices by purchasing "forever" stamps before next Monday.

"That's why forever stamps were created, to help consumers ease the transition during price changes," said Ken McArthur, the U.S. Postal Service's Salt Lake district manager.

Prices for other mailing services, such as standard mail, periodicals, package services (including single-piece parcel post) and special services will also change May 11.

The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. For the average household, the first-class mail stamp-price change will represent an additional $3 over the course of the year, the Postal Service said.

Rising operational costs make the price increases necessary, the Postal Service said. Prices for mailing services are reviewed annually and adjusted each May.

The new prices are available at USPS.com/prices.