New postage rates start May 11

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) Le Mars Post Office employee Larry Sponder displays new 44 cent stamps available. The new 44-cent rate goes into effect May 11. [Click to enlarge]

There's only one week left before the price increase for postage stamps and other mailing services. Starting May 11, it will cost 44 cents to mail a first-class letter. That's a 2 cent increase over the current 42 cents.

Le Mars Postmaster Dan Kelly said he has ordered a large number of new stamps in preparation for the increase.

He already has the new 44-cent "Wedding Rings" stamps, as well as the 28-cent "Polar Bear" stamps for postcards on hand.

Kelly said the Le Mars Post Office has plenty of "Forever" stamps on hand.

"Customers may purchase the 'Forever' stamps for 42 cents until May 11. After that they will cost 44 cents," Kelly said.

He ordered plenty of the "Forever" stamps in anticipation of customers stocking up on them before the price change.

Kelly said he really likes the "Forever" stamps.

"Previously during a rate change we had the F, G, and H stamps with no rate printed on them," he said. Those stamps were used as a transition to a new rate, and used until stamps with the new rate were available for sale.

"The 'Forever' stamp takes out the pain of guessing what the stamp rate is for both the customers and postal workers," Kelly said.

Sales of the "Forever" stamp have been brisk. Customers who purchase the "Forever" stamp can use them now and after the rate increase without having to add a 2-cent stamp starting May 11.

"Everyone's buying them," he said.

Kelly also stocked up on a supply of 2 cent stamps for those who have other styles of 42-cent stamps on hand.

"Some people aren't aware of the rate change," Kelly added.

Kelly described some of the 44-cent stamps that will be coming out in May. They include The King and Queen of Hearts released May 8, The Simpsons stamp issued May 7 and the Bob Hope stamp set for a May 29 release.

"There will be new stamps each month," he said.

Postal employees are prepared for the rate change and ready to help customers work through the change, Kelly added.