First Class is Still First Class With Stamps

Although many households and companies use the internet daily, several Americans still use the post office to conduct business and mail packages and letters. The postal service delivers approximately 177 billion pieces of mail a year. I use the post office frequently to mail letters for personal and business reasons.

The post office offers many services one of which is postage stamps. First class postage has increased since its inception in 1861. The price of first class postage has increased dramatically: in 1900 a first class stamp was two cents, in 1918 three cents, in 1959 four cents, in 1982 20 cents, in 1995 32 cents and in 2011 44 cents.

On April 12, 2007, the U.S. post office created the forever stamp which can be used to mail a first class letter in the future if rates go up. Many customers have complained about the price of stamps over the years and your complaints have been heard. Starting January 2011, all new stamps for one ounce of first class mail can use the forever stamp. The post office implemented the feature to help customers deal with increased first class postage costs and provide more efficiency in the postal service.

Due to the economic crisis in the country many businesses have been affected and have lost revenue including the postal service. The number of mail being delivered has steadily declined due to the use of the internet and email. As a result the post office requested a two cent increase in postage rates for 2011 but the request was rejected. The postal office is appealing the decision.

However, on April 17, 2011, there will be price increases for other postage services. More information can be found at www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm?from=home_lgpromo&page=NewMailingPricesApril2011. So there you have it - first class is still first class for consumers.