See details about the 2009 rate increase.

On Monday, May 12th, the United States Postal Services (USPS) is raising postal rates. The new rate for a first-class letter will increase from 41 cents to 42 cents. Flat-rate Priority Mail envelopes will increase from $4.60 to $4.80. High fuel prices are the likely reason for the rate increase. The rate increases effect all parts of the country equally, including Hawaii and Alaska.

One way you can hedge against the rate increase is to buy a stockpile of “forever” stamps. These are available at most post offices, and basically, don’t have a price printed on them. This means that they will be accepted forever, regardless of future rates.

For more details about the postage rates increase, visit usps.com.