PDT Staff Writer

United States Postal Service customers will see some changes in the near future.

On May 14, the price of a stamp will rise to 41 cents from 39 cents.

The new stamps are available for purchase now. The postal service also has 1-cent and 2-cent stamps available for those who have a supply of 39-cent stamps left.

The USPS also will institute new fees on other services, including purchases for postcards, Express Mail and first-class letters.

To avoid making a trip to the post office, customers can buy stamps online at www.usps.com or by calling (800) STAMP-24.

The new stamps also will be available at automated postal centers and ATM machines nationwide starting on May 14.

The USPS also is changing the look on packaging and making it easier to ship items.

For the first time since 1995, USPS packaging will look different.

Packaging will have a fresher, crisper look, according the USPS. The USPS logo is prominent beside international symbols for use by foreign post offices.

Customers may use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging whether they are shipping within the United States or to another country, also starting on May 14.

The new packaging is expected to start arriving in post offices this week.

USPS vice president of product development Nick Barranca said the service will continue to accept all existing international and domestic Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging.

“Customers should continue to use what they have in stock without worry,” Barranca said. “We promise the same quality, dependable service no matter which packaging is used.”

Express Mail and Priority Mail packages are free and pickup from the house is also free.

There is no limit to the number of packages which can be picked up.

The USPS office in the city is located at 610 Gay St.

JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.