New postal rates to take effect Monday, price of stamps to go up

New postal rates will take effect Monday. Bloomington Postmaster Jim Mennel said that one of the changes customers will see is a two-cent increase on stamps for first-class mail. The rate is increasing from 39 cents to 41 cents.\nCurrent postal costs are increasing because of the rise in the cost of handling mail. Beverly White, postmaster at the Clear Creek post office, suggests that one of the factors contributing to this rise in postal rates may be the increase in gas prices. Al Eakle, a spokesman for the Greater Indiana District of the U.S. Postal Service , concurs with White’s suggestion.\n"As one of the nation’s largest transportation and delivery organizations, we’re extremely sensitive to rising energy costs," Eakle said.\nThis price increase is the first to account for operational expenses since 2002.\nTo avoid complication with possible future mailing rate increases, the postal service is now offering the new "Forever Stamp" at the 41-cent rate. \n"This new stamp is a consumer innovation that delivers convenience and value," Mennel said.\nThe stamp will hold its value forever regardless of any future rate increases. The Forever Stamp can be purchased at the Bloomington Main Post Office \n, 206 E. 4th St., or at the Woodbridge Post Office, 3210 E. 10th Street.\nBeginning Monday, these new stamps will become available in automated teller machines, by order at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 as well as at 24-hour Automated Postal Centers located at the Bloomington Main Post Office and the Woodbridge Station. Local stores like CVS, Marsh Supermarket and Kroger will also carry the Forever Stamp.\n“We also have two-cent stamps available,” said Mennel, noting that consumers can simply add these stamps to their existing 39-cent stamps.\nWhile the cost for a 1-ounce, first-class letter will rise, the cost of heavier letters will actually decrease. If mailing a 2-ounce letter-type item, the cost of postage will be 58 cents, down from the current price of 63 cents. \nBo Shipley, assistant manager of IU Mail Service, said these rate increases will affect departmental budgets. The degree of the impact, though, will vary based on each department.\nOther than first-class mail, postal cost changes will apply to mail items such as packages, postcards, priority mail and money orders. A complete list of the new postal prices can be found at www.usps.com.