A Guide to Postage Rates
The early months of 2011 saw increases in postal rate changes. This effected domestic and international first class mail, as well as Priority Mail and Express Mail. With the economy fluctuating, the constants in our society, like postage rates, are being tossed around. Although snail-mail is becoming less popular, you should still be aware of postage rates in the U.S. and around the world.
When considering postage rates, consider:
1. Postcards and letters
2. Packages; flat rates and weight based
3. International postage
Hello from Hawaii
Even if the use of domestic mail is slowing to a crawl, everyone still likes to send a post card from their vacation spot. Not to mention the few pen pals that are still out there, waiting impatiently for each and every letter to grace their mailbox.
Rates in the U.S. will be going up by approximately one cent in 2012, so plan accordingly. An average post card could cost $.29, and a letter up to 3.5 ounces is $.44. As your postage gets heavier, you can expect the price to increase dramatically. For now, though, send as many postcards as you can get your hands on. For $.29 a pop, you should be telling your third cousins you’re basking in the sun of Aruba. Refer here for rate increases and basic postage information.
Heavy Weight Holidays
Whether you choose to take part in mailing letters and packages anymore, it is almost unavoidable during the holiday season. The US Postal Service mailed one million packages a day between Christmas and Thanksgiving last year. Suffice to say, Great Aunt Judy in Alaska, is always so excited to get something from you. From flat rate boxes to pay per weight, it won’t be cheap. You can get a flat-rate envelope or small box for $5, but if you need anything more you’ll be spending $10-$15. With postage rates on the rise, going with a flat rate box and stuffing it full could be more cost effective. For packages, FED-EX and UPS might offer a better rate, but do not offer flat rate boxes.
International Postage
Since 1639, mail has been sent across seas to reach the mailboxes of friends in faraway places. Since then, international rates have been on the up and up. These rates are also much higher than domestic. Postage to our neighbors, Canada and Mexico, is significantly cheaper than other parts of the world. Regardless of where else in the world you are mailing, the postage rates fluctuate based on weight and place. Check infoplease.com for detailed international postage rates.
Snail mail has been a staple throughout history. Most of us have switched to e-mail, and have not mailed a letter in years, much yes send mail on a daily basis. Remember, you can’t mail a package through Gmail. If only on vacation and during the holidays, it doesn’t hurt to know how much you’ll need to spend.
