06/01/2026
By Scott Merrill

On Wednesday May 27, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved the proposed price changes for mailing rates, promotions and mail classification that were proposed in a filing from the U.S. Postal Service on May 11, 2026. These new rates will go into effect on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The USPS is implementing a 4.8% average price increase on Mailing Services (including First-Class Mail). Notably, the price of a 1-ounce First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase by 4 cents, rising from 78¢ to 82¢.

Key highlights and examples of price changes

A few examples of proposed pricing updates across common mail categories:

  • Letters (1 oz): $0.78 to $0.82 (including Forever Stamps)
  • International Letters (1 oz): $1.70 to $1.75
  • Metered Letters (1 oz): $0.74 to $0.78
  • Commercial First-Class Mail: increase of 4.7% – 5.2%
  • Domestic Postcards: $0.61 to $0.65
  • International Postcards: $1.70 to $1.75
  • The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will remain unchanged at $0.29
  • Periodicals: Receiving an additional 2% increase
  • Marketing Mail: Changes vary by category

Please plan for these cost increases in your Fiscal 2027 budget planning. If you have any questions please contact Mail Services at the mail_services@uml.edu.