New rates for all classes of mail will go into effect on January 7. The price of a one-ounce First-Class letter will increase to 34 cents, up one cent. Cost of each additional ounce will decrease from 22 cents to 21 cents. The cost of mailing a postcard will remain the same, 20 cents.

The new cost of mailing a two-pound Priority Mail package increases to $3.95. The Postal Service will now offer a new one-pound Priority Mail rate of $3.50. The cost of mailing a one-half pound Express Mail package will increase to $12.25.

Overall, rates are rising 4.6 percent, although price increases vary by class of mail in accordance with the legal mandate for each class of mail to cover its own cost.

Visit the Postal Service web site at www.usps.com or call your local Post Office for additional information about the new rates.