DeKALB | May the force be with the U.S. Postal Service on May 14 as it increases prices on mailing and shipping.

The change in rates and fees affects all classes of mail except periodicals. A standard letter stamp will increase from 39 cents to 41 cents. Currently, a one-ounce letter costs 39 cents to mail, and a second ounce would add up to 63 cents. After the change, it will cost 58 cents for two ounces.

An increase for periodicals will go into effect July 15.

It’s been three years since prices have been raised on everything from a standard letter to overnight shipping of packages.

“Just like gas goes up, and prices change everywhere, the post office’s prices change too,” said McHenry postmaster Frank Hosticka.

Tax dollars do not go toward the U.S. Postal Service, leaving it to support itself. Although it’s considered a business, Hosticka said the U.S. Postal Service isn’t here to make a profit.

“We’re not in business to make money, we’re in business to break even,” Hosticka said.

According to the U.S. Postal Service’s Web site, the governors of the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission presented before Congress a recommendation of rates that recognize the impact on costs of different packages and attempt to maximize economic efficiency within the service.

This rate change is meant to cover costs of the Postal Service, Hosticka said. The Postal Service makes profit solely based on postage rates.

“When the cost of living increases, the Postal Service doesn’t break even, so the government lets us raise the prices,” Hosticka said.

Even though prices are increasing once more, Hosticka said, “there are a lot of things they’re doing differently this time than they have traditionally to reflect the way the business is changing.”

On March 28, the Postal Service will announce their plans with Lucasfilm Ltd. and explain why R2-D2 has taken the place of regular blue mailboxes.

“The Postal Service has the same ability as everyone else to enter into a licensing agreement to promote themselves,” Hosticka said.