By Anne Murray, Postmaster Ft Myers/Cape Coral

Fort Myers, Cape Coral, FL — Have you purchased your extra “Forever” stamps in order to save the two-cent increase on first-class mail, which will become effective on Monday, May 11? You have until that day to take advantage of the savings by purchasing the now-familiar liberty bell stamp which can be used “forever” for that one ounce of first-class mail.

Each year the U.S. Postal Service announces its postage increases, which are the result of the increased cost of doing business. As an example, for each one-cent increase in gasoline, the Postal Service’s costs increase by millions of dollars. U.S. postage is still one of the best values for customers.

As of May 11, postage rates for the most common mailed items will be:

• 44 cents for a one-ounce, first-class letter
• 17 cents for each additional ounce for a first-class letter
• 28 cents for a post card
• 88 cents for a “large” one-ounce, first-class envelope
• $4.95 for a Priority Mail package up to one pound
• $4.95 for a Flat Rate Priority envelope or small box
• $10.35 for a Flat Rate Priority regular box
• $13.95 for a Flat Rate Priority large box to APO/FPO address
• $17.50 for Express Mail
• $2.80 for Certified Mail
• $2.30 for a Return Receipt
• $2.35 for a Signature Confirmation
• $4.50 for Restricted Delivery

Costs for other postal services depend on the value of the package, weight, and the destination country. And, no, there is no “grace” period. The postage rates are effective on May 11.

To schedule a presentation for our community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638.

For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com.

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.