New USPS Certified Mail rate

The new United States Postal Service (USPS) Certified Mail rate increase went into effect Monday May 14^th, 2007.  The 2007 USPS rate change was structured to encourage customers to prepare mail in ways that increase efficiency for USPS' processing capabilities.

The costs of doing business --”fuel, transportation, utilities, and health care benefits --” have continued to increase. Therefore it's not so unusual to have first class stamps increase in price to 41 cents. Operating the largest commercial vehicle fleet in the world, a one-cent increase in the cost of fuel means an $8 million cost increase for the USPS.

The 2007 rate change was structured to encourage customers to prepare mail in ways that increase efficiency for USPS' processing capabilities. While postage rates have continued to increase, so have available USPS work sharing discounts.

The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) approved the rate increase of mailing Certified Mail effective May 14, 2007.

·         The new USPS Certified Mail rates increase the $2.40 cent price up to $2.65 per letter.

·         Return Receipt green cards increase from $1.85 to $2.15

·         First-Class postage will goes up to 41 cents

Companies looking to cut costs are encouraged to review internal automation processes for ways to support the basis of the merit increase. One example of Certified Mail automation is the use of Electronic Return Receipt.  You can buy an approved Certified Mail Envelope that includes the automated processing, tracking and Electronic Return Receipt and save $0.60 per mailing.   

The new 2007 postal rate increase by USPS is implementing significant, across the board, changes effecting both Domestic and International shipping rates including a new Forever Rate Stamp. It's a stamp that lasts forever. By law, the USPS is expected to operate at a breakeven level over time.