Cost of Postage Stamp

As one of the most trusted and popular choice for mailing services across the United States and the world, the United States Postal Service (USPS) couldn't escape the harsh realities of the economic recession. Last year, the national mail service industry lost close to US$ 2.8 billion. Even now, the loss in revenue is being incurred due to the recent financial downturn. Just so they can recover their losses, the post office cut down the number of working hours of all its employees with a stimulus deal to Congress. Plus with the cut in official working days from 6 to 5, the post office is really behind making some changes. And hence, the cost to mail a letter goes up as well. In the following article, we will take a look at the current postage stamp costs and how it has made its sturdy, but sure climb over time.

Postage Stamps in U.S.

When documents and/or packages need to be sent out nationally and internationally, most of us depend on USPS. Their promise to provide the speediest service with low rates guarantees its customers overnight delivery. Since the costs are calculated according to weight, size and distance, postage stamp cost increases accordingly. In order to find out exactly, how much does a postage stamp cost, take a look at the table below.

Domestic Postage Stamp Prices
Domestic Service	Average Delivery Time	Starting Price	Cost Factors
Express Mail	Overnight (most areas)	From US $13.65	Flat rate envelope available; weight + distance
Priority Mail	1-3 Days	From US $4.90	Flat rate options available; weight + distance
First-Class Mail	1-3 Days	From US $0.44	Weight + shape
Parcel Post	2-8 Days	From US $4.90	Weight + distance
Media Mail	2-8 Days	From US $2.38	Weight; content restrictions apply
Library Mail	2-8 Days	From US $2.26	Weight; content restrictions apply
International Postage Stamp Prices
International Service	Average Delivery Time	Starting Price	Cost Factors
Global Express Guaranteed	1-3 Days	From US $33.95	Weight + size + distance; envelope prices available
Express Mail International	3-5 Days	From US $26.95	Weight + distance; flat-rate envelope available
Priority Mail International	6-10 Days	From US $11.45	Weight + distance; flat-rate options available
First-Class Mail International	Varies	From US $0.75	Weight + shape + distance

History Postage Stamp Cost

Lately, you get the feeling that the cost of postage stamps are increasing frequently. However, if we try to look at the history of postage stamp costs, we can see the trend since the beginning of 1970s. The actual rise initiated from that decade, and has had a steady climb upwards. With this consistent pace, postage stamp cost increase doesn't bring shock, but concern for people. And in keeping with the trend, in May 2009, the cost increased to 42 cents. Let's take a quick glance at what the statistics have to say for this.

Increase of Cost Over Time
Decade	Increase in Prices
1920	No increase
1930	No increase
1940	No increase
1950	Increase by 1 cent (from 3 cents to 4 cents)
1960	Increase by 2 cents (from 4 cents to 6 cents)
1970	Increase by 9 cents (from 6 cents to 15 cents)
1980	Increase by 10 cents (from 15 cents to 25 cents)
1990	Increase by 8 cents (from 25 cents to 33 cents)
2000	Increase by 9 cents (from 33 cents to 42 cents)

People are finding ways to outsmart this increase by buying lifetime supply of "Forever" stamp. What this does is that it places a limit over the rise in prices of all your mailing requirements. However, it would be unrealistic to think you can actually seal the postage stamp costs forever, as sooner or later they are definitely going to raise again.