The U.S. Postal Service is proposing a three-cent hike in prices for first class stamps.
The increase would raise the price of the stamp from 46 to 49 cents beginning on January 1. Pricing for other mail, such as packages and postcards would also go up on January 26.
Officials say it would generate two-billion-dollars in revenue for the troubled agency.
The Postal Regulatory Commisison would have to approve the price increase. If approved the first class mail pricing would include:
- Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cents
- Letters additional ounces — 1-cent increase to 21 cents
- Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
- Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents
Stamp prices have stayed consistent with the average annual rate of inflation since the Postal Service was formed in 1971. Including the 2014 hike, the cost of a U.S. first class stamp will have went up by 10 cents in eight years since 2006 when it was 39 cents
