WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     Special  —  It’s not all bad, said PMR (Post Master Relief) person Julie Halverson. Along with slight increases in all classes of mail, she said there are some perks that were added for customers.

    The new rates include a one cent increase for a one ounce first class letter from .45 cents to .46 cents.  Additional ounces will be .66 cents for 2 ounces, .86 cents for 3 ounces, and $1.06 for 3.5 ounces.

    Postcards will also increase by one cent going from 32 cents to 33 cents.



    First Class Flats base (Oversize letters) rate will increase by two cents to .92 cents plus .20 cents each for additional ounces.

    Delivery Confirmation of Priority and Standard  Post will now be free. Letters sent to international destinations weighing one ounce or less will be $1.10 to all countries. Before there were different prices for international First Class Mail except Canada and Mexico. Now patrons can mail first class letters anywhere in the world for the same set price.

    For those using Priority Mail or Standard Post (formerly called Parcel Post) will be able to track their packages with no additional charge. Standard Post will only be available at the Post Office.

    Priority Mail and Flat Rate Boxes will also have new pricing, along with other products and services.  

    Halverson pointed out that all regular first class stamps now are labeled “Forever” stamps  and can be used any time in the future for mailing a one ounce letter. Additional post is only required if the letter goes over one ounce.

    Although the US Postal Service is authorized by the federal government, and specifically by Congress, no tax dollars are used for operational expense. Sales of postage,  products and services are used to fund Postal Service operations.