You heard it here first.

Since the U.S. Postal Service so conveniently neglected to publicize their last rate increase (see my 6/20/07 post), I thought I'd perform this public service and share the news that they are increasing rates again, effective May 12, 2008. Note that this is less than a year since their last increase. Note further that other rates will increase in March. On the other hand, the first-class stamp which most of us use is not getting more expensive (at this time).

I present the following e-mail, which I received from the campus purchasing director.

Please be advised that the USPS will again be raising their rates.  The new rates take effect May 12, 2008.

Pricing highlights:

No change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce price.
Lower additional-ounce price for presorted First-Class Mail letters.
Lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats.
Shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail International letters, flats, and parcels.
First-Class Mail International price groups expand from five to nine groups.

Select prices:
First-Class Mail letter (1 oz.)                          $0.42
First-Class Mail letter (2 oz.)                          $0.59
Postcard                                                 $0.27
First-Class Mail large envelope (2 oz.)                  $1.00
Certified Mail                                           $2.70
1st-Class International to Canada and Mexico (1 oz.)     $0.72
1st-Class International to all other countries (1 oz.)   $0.94

USPS will announce new prices for shipping services - Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and International Mail - in March.

For details on rates please see this USPS site.
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm?from=bannercommunications&page=price