By Stephanie Anderson

sanderson@torringtontelegram.com

TORRINGTON – On January 21 the United States Postal Service (USPS) implemented a $0.02 increase to its postage bringing the price from $0.66 to $0.68. The increase comes as the USPS continues to move forward with their long-term 10-year plan, Delivering for America.

“The Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.” David P. Coleman wrote on October 6, 2023, in the online publication of USPS News. 

The USPS is ordered to be a federally independent entity, which is self-financing. The USPS does not rely on tax dollars to keep itself in business, such funding stopped in 1970. They count on the sales of postage, services, and products for its funding.

According to the USPS, adjustments in price need to happen to reach the financial goal of their long-term 10-year plan. The pressures of inflation are affecting its operation costs, along with recovering from the flawed pricing model put in place before, the USPS is trying to stop its hemorrhaging budget. 

The USPS is governed by the Post Regulatory Commission (PRC) which is comprised of five commissioners appointed by the President of the United States. 

The PRC is responsible for overseeing the USPS. PRC responsibilities include the monitoring and adjusting of rates and services and making sure the USPS is meeting its legal requirements. To this end the USPS is looking for price adjustments from the PRC in regard to its Special Services, as well. Special Services cover the areas of Certified Mail, money order fees, insurance on mail, and post office box rentals to name a few. 

This latest price hike is the fifth increase of postage in two years. Along with the postage escalation, some shipping services have gone up also. Such amenities as Priority Mail will increase by 5.7%, Ground Advantage cost will go up by 5.4%, and Priority Mail Express will go up by 5.9%.

When asking the public their thoughts, the answers varied.

“It’s stupid how they can up the postage, but not some people’s wages,” Amanda Wilson said.

“I hardly ever mail anything anymore. Maybe two or three times a year,” Melody Hood, of Torrington, stated “I can remember how upset my mom was when it went up to 25 cents.”

 Another Torrington local, Beth Wiseman, shared her thoughts about the increase.

“While I understand the USPS is struggling. (Our biggest mailing time is Christmas). I don’t understand where the concept of, ‘We need to keep the customers that we have, so let’s charge them more and more for postage. It’s a sure-fire way of making them happy and getting new and bringing back customers.’ comes from,” Wiseman pondered.

“Not thrilled. I understand, though,” Helen Sparrow said.

“I had to buy a roll (stamps) for some clients it was like $68,” McKinley Dykes, of Torrington, said.

No matter where one stands on the issue, the deed is done and the USPS will press on, keeping their focus on their 10-year long-term plan, “Delivering for America”. As a matter of context, the USPS prices are still among the most reasonable in the world.