[Fists] Postage Rate Increase

[Stan Reas]

The Postal Service is making another change - effective January 22, 2012:

                           The rate for the first ounce is increased to 45 cents.

                         However, the additional-ounce rate remains at 20 cents.

                            Many new "Forever" Stamps have been issued.

           So, based on the weight of my QSL card per the scales in the Moneta, Virginia Post Office
                      after January 22, 2012 the cost to send QSL cards per weight:

                                   Weight           Postage        Cards
                                    1 ounce          45 cents           7
                                    2 ounce          65 cents          15
                                    3 ounce          85 cents          23

          The weight limit for regular envelopes is 3.5 ounces which means $1.05 postage for 27 cards.

        Above 3.5 ounces the "Large Envelope" rate would apply - 90 cents for first ounce and 20 cents
           for each additional ounce.  So, for 4 ounces, approximately 31 cards, the postage required
                                          would be $ 1.50

                We will be using stamps from our "stamp kitty" to add the postage as needed.

     We will be using quite a bunch of 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 cent stamps to add to existing SASE's we have on hand.

   They have put a limit on the size of envelopes - Maximum length 11 1/2 inches, Maximum height 6 1/8 inches.
       Envelopes larger than those maximums are charged at the "Large Envelope" rate - 90 cents for the
                           first ounce and 20 cents for each additional ounce.

   The postcard rate increased from 29 cents to 32 cents. They have established a Maximum length of 6 inches
      and a Maximum height of 4 1/4 inches for Postcards.  Most QSL cards are less than these maximums.

              The "Forever" stamp which now cost 45 cents, will cover the postage for one ounce
                                        from now to forever. Hard to believe but it is true.  

         The International Rates to mail to Canada and Mexico were also increased January 22, 2012.

The costs of mailing to Canada will be:
       One ounce 85 cents, two ounce $1.17, three ounce $1.49.

The costs of mailing to Mexico will be:
       One ounce 85 cents, two ounce $1.44, three ounce $2.03.

The costs of mailing to Other North & South America Countries is:
       one ounce $1.05 two ounce $1.92, three ounce $2.79.

                                    INTERNATIONAL RATES

                                              Postage to     Postage to    Postage to    Postage to        Postage to
                             Weight       Canada           Mexico         Europe       VK,ZL,JA      Most Others
                             1 ounce        $0.85              $0.85             $1.05           $1.05                  $1.05
                             2 ounce          1.17                1.44               1.92             1.92                    1.92
                             3 ounce          1.49                2.03               2.79             2.79                    2.79