According to the United States Postal Service, consumers can expect slower service – and some price increases.

Starting August 29th, the U.S. Post Office will be raising the price of first class Forever Stamps from 55 cents to 58 cents; in other words, that’s an extra 60 cents per book of stamps.  The price of metered one oz. first-class letters, will go from 51 cents to 53 cents – and domestic postcards will increase from 36 cents to 40 cents; meanwhile, certified mail will jump from $3.60 to $3.75 – registered mail will increase from $12.90 to $13.75.

This is the second postage rate increase of 2021.  The first took place January 24th.

People can also expect a slowdown in some mail services starting in October; 61% of services will remain on the same schedule – however the U.S. Postal Service will slow delivery of some first-class mail by switching from air, to ground transportation.  The changes are part of a plan to reduce some $160 billion in losses over the next decade.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)