The US Postal Service announced a rate increase effective May 12, 2008 which affects most postage rates and special USPS services. According to the USPS, the average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Some of the new prices are:

First-Class Mail letter (1 oz.)	42¢
First-Class Mail letter (2 oz.)	59¢
First-Class 3- Digit Presort	34.6¢
First-Class 3-Digit Presort (2 oz)
First-Class Postcard	27¢
First-Class 3-Digit Presort Postcard
First-Class Mail large envelope (2 oz.)	$1.00
First-Class Mail International letter to Canada and Mexico (1 oz.)	72¢
First-Class Mail International letter to all other countries (1 oz.)	94¢

For additional USPS Rates, please click here.

These rate increases are consistent with The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, which was passed by Congress in December 2006 and allows the USPS to adjust mailing services prices in May of every year. By law, postage rates can increase on average no more than the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The Postal Service plans to provide 90 days' notice of the new prices each year, to help mailers prepare for the change.