The United States Postal Service announced postage increases that go into effect April 17, 2011.

The price of a 1 oz. first-class letter will remain $0.44, however, the cost of each additional ounce will increase from $0.17 to $0.20. Rates on postcards are increasing by $0.01 to $0.29.

There are also rate changes for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. It’s best to contact your agency liaison or mailhouse representative to get specific postage estimates in order to adjust your postage budgets accordingly. CSG has also put together a cheat sheet for your convenience.

Some working examples based on quantity of 5,000 6″x10″ brochures:

  • Old rate: 1.5 oz. mailing as 1st class letter (basic presort) = $2,535 ($0.507 x 5,000)
  • New rate: 1.5 oz. mailing as 1st class letter (basic presort) = $2,575 ($0.515 x 5,000)
  • Old rate: 1.5 oz. mailing as standard letter (basic presort) = $1,350 ($0.27 x 5,000)
  • New rate: 1.5 oz. mailing as standard letter (basic presort) = $1,365 ($0.273 x 5,000)

Here are some helpful Web sites for reference:

CSG postage increases postal rates