Howell residents going to the post office will need to carry an extra penny or two. Postage rates will rise slightly today, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

According to an announcement by the postal service, new postage rates go into effect today, with letter and postcard stamps being affected. The U.S. Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations and doesn’t receive tax dollars for operating expenses.

Stamp prices increase one cent, from 45 cents to 46 cents, to mail one-ounce letters. Postcard stamps also see a one-cent increase, from 32 cents to 33 cents.

The cost for letters weighing more than one ounce stay the same, at 20 cents for each additional ounce. Letters less than one ounce mailed anywhere internationally will cost $1.10, the announcement says.

Residents looking to save a few cents can stock up on the postal service's Forever stamps (costing 45 cents until the rate increase), which are usable even after stamp prices change.

In addition to the rate hike, the postal service also announced that several new shipping services will be available on Jan. 27.

Free tracking will be offered to all competitive packages, including retail Priority Mail and Standard Post. Also customers shipping Critical Mail letters will have the option of receiving a signature upon delivery, the announcement says.

A large variety of flat-rate boxes and envelopes for Express Mail and Priority Mail, including the padded and legal-sized flat rate envelopes will continue to be offered, according to the postal service.

New domestic retail pricing for Priority Mail Flat Rate products include:

• Small box — $5.80
• Medium box — $12.35
• Large box — $16.85
• Large APO/FPO box — $14.85
• Regular envelope — $5.60
• Legal envelope — $5.75
• Padded envelope — $5.95