Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Postal Service has begun allowing companies to create their own branded postage stamps in an attempt to reverse a decline in first-class mailings. At the request of the USPS, Congress this year overturned a 19th-century law banning the use of commercial images on stamps. And for the past year, consumers willing to pay twice the normal rate for postage have been able to make their own stamps featuring family members and pets. Advertisement Under the new corporate expansion, companies will pay about 10 cents more per stamp to send out logos or branded images, The Washington Post reported. Hewlett-Packard was the first company to sign on, with plans to feature its corporate logo and pictures of its founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard on stamps, the Post said. USPS spokeswoman Joanne Veto said fingers were crossed for more major clients. "We want to make mail more interesting to consumers," Veto told the newspaper.
