Here we go again. Last year saw increases in postal rates across the board, as well as a switch to so-called “shape-based pricing,” an approach designed to make it easier for the Post Office to automate as much mail processing as possible. Another postal hike is slated to go into effect May 12. The good news is that the new changes are not nearly as dramatic as last year’s; a first-class stamp is only increasing by a penny.

As per the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act passed last year, the USPS will adjust postal rates annually by an amount equal to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the past 12 months. In other words, postal rates are now tied to inflation.

Highlights of the new changes are:

• A first-class stamp will go up from 41¢ to 42¢. If you hoarded those Forever stamps the Post Office printed last year, you’re in luck. They are good for...well, forever.
• There will be no change in additional-ounce costs for First-Class Mail.
• The additional-ounce price will go down slightly for presorted First-Class letters.
• Postcards are going up one cent to 27¢.
• Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Parcel Return Service and International Mail will all change, but the USPS is for the first time offering commercial volume and contract discounts, rebates, online price reductions and other new incentives for bulk mailers.
• For publishers, last year’s periodicals hike raised postal rates about 11% on average. The new hike will raise them about 2.72%.

Mailers, publishers and others who rely on the mail should take note that the USPS will adjust postal rates annually each May. You should factor such increases into your budget plans. You can even keep track of the CPI by visiting www.bls.gov/cpi, if you are truly motivated. By law, the USPS is required to provide 90 days notice of any rate hike. You can find more information at www.usps.com.

As always, the best strategy for coping with these and future postal rate changes is to talk to us early and often to understand the postal ramifications of the mail piece you are creating.