What are the new postal rates?

According to Pitney Bowes, the new postal rates became effective on Jan. 26, 2014. The biggest change is a new price category created for metered mail. Printing postage on a postage meter affords consumers a 1-cent savings over First Class retail rates.

The new postage rates are 49 cents for a 1-ounce First Class letter. The same letter metered costs 48 cents. A 1-ounce flat increased 6 cents over 2013 rates at 98 cents. A 1- to 3-ounce parcel post letter is now $2.72. Letters or flats exceeding 1 ounce cost 21 cents for each additional ounce. Each additional ounce for a parcel post letter costs 18 cents and a postcard's rate is 34 cents, notes Pitney Bowes.