The United States Postal Service (USPS) has proposed price increases for its mailing services, which are set to begin on July 13th, pending approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).

A key change is a five-cent hike in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, raising the cost from 73 cents to 78 cents. On average, mailing service products will see a price rise of approximately 7. 4 percent. Other proposed increases include Metered Letters (1 ounce) going from 69 cents to 74 cents, Domestic Postcards from 56 cents to 62 cents, International Postcards from $1. 65 to $1. 70, and International Letters (1 ounce) also increasing from $1. 65 to $1. 70. The cost for each extra ounce on single-piece letters will rise from 28 cents to 29 cents.

The USPS is also suggesting a 12 percent reduction in postal insurance prices for mailed items. These changes are part of the “Delivering for America” 10-year plan, aimed at achieving financial stability and modernizing operations. The USPS claims its pricing remains among the lowest worldwide. Two sets of prices for Marketing Mail and Package Services have been submitted to the PRC. The PRC will review these proposed changes before implementation. Customers can find more information on the USPS and PRC websites and can purchase stamps and services online or locally. The USPS operates without taxpayer funding and focuses on revenue from services.