Utah Residents Face Higher Mailing Costs with USPS Increases

Many folks in Utah really depend on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for a lot of things, like sending letters and packages, and getting important mail like bills. But heads up, USPS is making some changes that are going to affect how we use their services here in Utah.

USPS Shakes Things Up: What It Means for Utah

So, according to the USPS website, they're going to be increasing prices on some products and services soon, both in Utah and nationwide. Here’s what they said:

"Our business and operating models are unsustainable and out of step with the changing needs of the nation and our customers. Years of chronic underinvestment in our infrastructure and network have taken its toll on our performance and workforce. As we implement rate changes, USPS remains committed to making sure mailing and shipping rates remain among the most affordable in the world."

These price hikes are part of their 10-year Delivering for America plan. They’ve been upping stamp prices twice a year since 2021 and expect this new pricing policy to bring in an extra $44 billion by 2031. For example, on July 14th, the cost of a first-class Forever stamp went up from 68 cents to 73 cents. And it’s not just stamps – prices for pretty much all services are going up by more than 7.5%. Again my pay did not go up to accommodate all of the price hikes...

Some other specific changes include the price for an additional ounce on single-piece letters going up from 24 cents to 28 cents. And if you're sending international postcards or 1-ounce letters, those prices will go up by 10 cents each, from $1.55 to $1.65.