The United States Postal Service (USPS®), one of the world's oldest and most reliable postal services, has provided mail delivery services for over two centuries. At the heart of this system lies the postage stamp, a humble yet essential tool.

This article will provide information about the USPS and the types of postage stamps it offers.

The USPS is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for providing postal services, including mail and package delivery, to individuals and businesses within the United States.

Founded in 1775, the USPS has grown to become one of the largest postal services in the world, delivering billions of pieces of mail each year. It is also responsible for managing and maintaining a vast network of post offices, postal processing centers, and other facilities throughout the US.

The USPS offers a range of extra services, including:

1. Post Office (PO) Box Rental
2. Stamps and postage supplies
3. Money orders
4. Shipping and mailing supplies
5. Acceptance of passport applications
6. PO box street addressing
7. Holding mail and forwarding services
8. Printing and copying services
9. Business mail services
10. International mail and package delivery

Postage stamps are small pieces of adhesive paper that are affixed to letters, postcards, and parcels to indicate that postage has been paid for their delivery.

Stamps typically have a printed image or design, such as a flag, a historical figure, or an animal, and their value is determined by the postage rate for the weight and type of mail being sent. Stamps are available in a variety of denominations.

Postage stamps can be purchased at USPS locations, online, and at other authorized retailers. They are an essential part of the postal system, allowing mail to be sent and delivered to its intended recipient.

The USPS offers a variety of stamps, including:

1. Forever stamps: These First-Class™ stamps are valid regardless of future price increases.
2. Commemorative stamps: These stamps showcase historical moments, cultural icons, and achievements, turning each envelope into a snapshot of significant events.
3. Priority Mail stamps: These stamps signify urgency with efficiency, ensuring your items are treated as a priority during delivery.
4. Love stamps: These stamps add a touch of romance to your messages, making them suitable for wedding invitations, heartfelt letters, or any affectionate communication.
5. Semipostal stamps: A type of special stamp sold at a price above the First-Class™ rate, with the overage going to support a particular cause, such as breast cancer research or wildlife conservation. 
6. Special stamps:  Stamps for holiday celebrations, like Christmas, are larger and typically on sale for a limited time.

Several types of postal stamps are available for purchase, each with its specific use and price point. Some of the most common types of postal stamps include:

• First-Class Mail® postage stamps are used to send letters and postcards to destinations within the US. 
• International Postcard and Letter postage stamps are used to send mail to destinations outside the US.
• Priority Mail® postage stamps are used to send packages and other items that require faster delivery than regular mail. The price of a Priority Mail stamp varies depending on the weight and size of the item being mailed.
• Priority Mail Express® postage stamps are also used to send packages and other items requiring faster delivery than regular mail. This is the quickest and most expensive option for mailing letters and parcels. The cost of this stamp varies based on the weight and size of the item being sent.
• Certified Mal™ stamps provide proof of mailing and delivery for important letters and documents. The cost of this stamp varies based on the weight and size of the item being mailed.

Individuals and businesses who send letters, postcards, or packages within the US must purchase postage stamps. Anyone who needs to send mail or packages domestically or internationally through the USPS must also purchase postage stamps.

The USPS typically increases postage rates in January and July, although the exact dates and amount of the increase varies from year to year. The proposed rates for 2024 have already been announced. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is required by law to review the USPS's pricing practices every five years and may recommend changes to the rates or structure of the agency's product offerings and services.

If the USPS faces significant financial challenges or unexpected expenses, it may request an interim rate increase. However, any price hike must be approved by the PRC before taking effect. 

The price of a postal stamp varies depending on the weight, shape, type of mail, and where it's headed. You can learn about current USPS postage prices here.

The USPS increases postal rates for several reasons, including:

1. To account for inflationary pressures: The USPS implements price adjustments as the cost of living increases.
2. To cover pressures on operating expenses: The USPS is a self-funded agency that relies on postage revenue to cover its operational costs, such as employee salaries, transportation, and facility maintenance.
3. To fund retiree benefits: The USPS is required by law to pre-fund its retiree health benefits, which has put a significant financial strain on the agency. Increasing stamp prices helps to offset these costs.
4. To encourage efficiency: Higher postage rates encourage mailers to use more efficient and cost-effective mailing methods, such as bulk mail or electronic communication.
5. To comply with regulatory requirements: The USPS is subject to regulatory requirements that may impact its pricing, such as the PRC's annual review of the agency's pricing practices.

While price increases may be unpopular with some customers, they are necessary to maintain the USPS's financial stability and support its mission of delivering the mail to every address in the country.

Yes, metered mail receives special discounts on postage rates from the USPS. The USPS Commercial Base Pricing (CBP) program offers access to postage discounts to mailers who use postage meters to affix postage to their mail pieces. 

The CBP program is designed to encourage businesses to use postage meters, which can help streamline their mailing processes and reduce costs. Additionally, the USPS offers other programs, such as the Commercial Plus Pricing program, which provides even more significant discounts to high-volume mailers who meet specific criteria. 

Postage stamps are essential to the US postal system, enabling mail to be sent and delivered to its intended recipient. Purchasing postage stamps is a simple and necessary process for individuals and businesses who must send mail within the US or overseas. By understanding the different types of stamps available and the USPS's pricing practices, customers can make informed decisions about their mailing needs and take advantage of discounted postage rates when possible.