Temporary Stamps Hint at Rate Increase

In another sign that the price of sending a first-class letter may go up next year, the U.S. Postal Service is printing millions of temporary rate-change stamps, according to postal officials. Postal Service spokesman Mark Weinberg called the printing of the nondenominated stamps, which can be used by consumers temporarily after a rate hike, a “prudent step,” but he declined to confirm an impending rate hike. A Postal Service source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the transition stamp being printed has a red, white and blue Uncle Sam-style hat, and the letter “H” in place of a denomination. Postal officials have said a recommendation to raise the price of stamps could come this summer.