Yes, it’s that time again. Effective Jan 26, 2014 postage rates will increase. So what will the postage rates increase to in 2014? First class letters 1oz and under will increase from $0.46 to $0.49. The United States Post Office has been raising prices at a very steady rate over past years. For instance, in 2001 a first class letter was $0.34.  Typically the cost of postage was always just raised with inflation, but since 2006 the post office has aggressively raised their rates almost yearly.

This increase not only effects first class mail, but bulk presorted rates are also increasing by an average of one cent per piece. While this doesn’t sound like a significant increase, many of our customers send out 200k+ pieces per year, and that penny can add up. You can imagine how the increases add up for the post office! If you have any questions on postage, feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help!

Most other postal service rates will go up as well. Stamps.com has a breakdown and various charts showing the increases, and can be found here. After totaling up the all of the increases, the post office is collectively hiking their prices up by nearly six percent. An attempt to make up for lost revenue over the years.

Don’t forget, forever stamps are, well, forever! Stock up before Jan 26th if you send a lot of first class letters and postcards. The savings can really add up!