How does postage stamps work

Now, when the USPS wants to raise postage rates, it files a notice with the PRC, which takes public comments and verifies the proposed rates' compliance with the law. Market-dominant products are those that the USPS need not compete with the private sector to provide. Each year, the USPS may raise the postage rates for market-dominant products at a rate that is no higher than the previous year's increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.

Competitive products are those for which a competitive market exists. Otherwise, the USPS may price these products at the level it deems appropriate, relative to competitors' prices. During the th , th , th , and th Congresses, bills were introduced to permit certain persons to send letters and packages free of postage to servicemen and women in combat zones.

None of these bills has become law. Yes, a member of the armed services may do so, provided that he or she is on duty in a designated combat area, the mail is personal correspondence, and the mail is addressed to someone in the United States 39 U.

This report originally was written by [author name scrubbed], who has since left CRS. Readers with questions about this report's subject matter may contact [author name scrubbed]. Rule 13 states, "The determination of the subject matter of commemorative stamps and new semi-postal issues is properly for consideration by the Postmaster General and that the Committee will not give consideration to legislative proposals specifying the subject matter of commemorative stamps and new semi-postal issues.

It is suggested that recommendations for the subject matter of stamps be submitted to the Postmaster General. There are two instances in which letters may be mailed without indicia.

If a letter is sent by a member of the U. Also, certain types of mailings may be sent without postage to persons who are visually impaired. Senders must mark the upper right corner of the envelope with the text, "free matter for the blind or handicapped. Congress provides an annual appropriation to reimburse the USPS for free mail to the blind.

Duck stamps were created in and serve as a federal license for hunting migratory birds 16 U. Duck stamps also raise revenues for the conservation of wetlands. On December 16, , the USPS announced all forthcoming commemorative stamps would be issued as forever stamps. Until December , commemorative stamps were definitive stamps with a set face value e. USPS may "issue and sell semipostals For examples of customized postage indicia, see the website of Zazzle. For example, Stamps. For an enumeration of these criteria, see U.

With every stuck at home, now is a great time to send a meaningful letter to your loved ones. Eventually the need for postage stamps strikes, particularly around the holidays. Are you stressed about how to send that beautiful personal letter you spent time writing? When the time comes to mail a bill, holiday card, party invitation, you might find yourself stumped.

Our guide to first-class postage stamps will catch you up on recent changes, forever stamps, weight requirements, and stamp pricing. The Postal Service upped the price of stamps to help offset the loss in mail volume and the cost of operating expenses.

This was the 12 th unprofitable year for the company, which is not funded by tax dollars, but rather products and services. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the large increase in stamp costs, which have steadily been increasing since First Class Mail was established in , as a mailing system based on cost rather than distance to destination.

For additional information, visit the Stamps. For information on Stamps to Go, please visit www. What should I know about U. Postal Stamps? All postage stamps issued by the United States since are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.

Mail service operates. You may use any Denomination stamp s to equal the total postage affixed. Total postage affixed must equal at least the postage charge for the class of the mail.

The USPS does not exchange stamps solely because of new postage prices. As mentioned above, postal stamps do not expire and can be used indefinitely. In the event of a price increase, customers can purchase Denomination Stamps to make up the price for postage or use Forever Stamps. You can use Denomination stamps of that value. Stamps which are mutilated or defaced are not valid for U. S domestic or U. However, a minor tear at the corner of a stamp does not render a stamp invalid.

This standard needs to be applied in a common sense fashion allowing for the possibility of minor tears in stamps when they are removed from their host sheet or booklet. However, if more than a minor portion of a stamp has been torn and is missing, the stamp should be exchanged for another stamp of equal value provided the remaining portion of the stamp is in substantially whole condition and its denomination is evident.

No, a used stamp cannot be reused. Stamps that have not yet been used, but have been attached to an envelope may still be used. However, you may not cut an unused stamp from an envelope and use tape to apply to a new envelope.

The tape will prevent the stamp from being canceled. A returned domestic or international shortpaid mailpiece can have the necessary additional postage affixed to the original piece and does not have to be placed in a new envelope or wrapper. A returned undeliverable as addressed or refused by the addressee mailpiece may not be re-mailed unless it is placed in a new envelope or wrapper with the correct address and new postage. We have no control over the pricing policies of private entrepreneurs, companies or agencies who resell our products.

We recommend contacting a Stamp Dealer in your area to discuss the value of any stamp. The Post and Packing team are happy to pack and ship out any items you bring to us, assuming they adhere to the basic standards of size and weight:. This is particularly important with fragile items.

Our team of well-trained staff know exactly how to tackle all packaging challenges, including fragile goods. Similarly, Post and Packing are again on hand to provide you with a means of shipping your parcels out on an international basis. There are some stringent laws when sending items overseas, so leaving it to the professionals is always going to be your best option. That said, some top tips for sending international parcels include:.