Beginning July 1, 2001, rates for a one ounce First-Class letter will remain the same at 34-cents, but the charge for an additional ounce will rise to 23-cents. Postcards will increase by one cent to 21-cents, the first increase in the postcard rate since 1995. The Postal Service is facing a loss this year that could exceed $2 billion due to a variety of factors, including a weakening economy and soaring fuel and personnel expenses. The Postal Service has taken a number of steps including cutting capital commitments by one billion dollars this year and freezing hiring for administrative positions and cutting programs and activity budgets. In addition, cost reductions totaling $2.5 billion through fiscal year 2003 have been targeted. http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_046.htm#table http://www.usps.com/ratecase and click on: Modified Rate Tables, R-Module (PDF)