USPS Announced Temporary Price Changes for the 2026 Holiday Shipping Season
As the holiday shopping season approaches, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced temporary price adjustments for the 2026 peak shipping season. These adjustments are intended to offset the increased handling costs expected due to the seasonal surge in shipping volume. The temporary rates are scheduled to take effect on October 4, 2026, and will remain in place through January 17, 2027.
On August 25, the USPS submitted the temporary pricing plan to the Postal Regulatory Commission following its approval by the Board of Governors. The temporary increase will apply to select domestic services only, affecting both retail and commercial rates: USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Parcel Select for high-volume shippers. All other USPS products and services will remain unaffected.
Depending on the service, shipping zone, and weight of the mailpiece, prices will increase by between $0.50 and $20.80. The planned changes affecting retail customers are outlined below.
USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail Zones 1-4
- $0.50 for 0-3 lbs
- $0.80 for 4-10 lbs
- $1.25 for 11-25 lbs
- $3.90 for 26-70 lbs and Oversized
USPS Ground Advantage Zones 5-9
- $0.75 for 0-3 lbs
- $1.40 for 4-10 lbs
- $2.75 for 11-25 lbs
- $7.50 for 26-70 lbs and Oversized
Priority Mail Zones 5-9
- $1.00 for 0-3 lbs
- $2.10 for 4-10 lbs
- $4.30 for 11-25 lbs
- $9.10 for 26-70 lbs
Priority Mail Flat Rate
- $2.10 for Large Flat Rate Boxes
- $1.00 for all other Flat Rate Products
Priority Mail Express Zones 1-4
- $1.40 for 0-3 lbs
- $2.45 for 4-10 lbs
- $5.05 for 11-25 lbs
- $12.70 for 26-70 lbs
Priority Mail Express Zone 5-9
- $2.35 for 0-3 lbs
- $6.30 for 4-10 lbs
- $11.70 for 11-25 lbs
- $20.80 for 26-70 lbs
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate
- $2.35 increase for Flat Rate Envelopes
If you want to save money on shipping during the 2026 holiday season, consider buying shipping labels from PostageMaker. We offer shipping discounts of up to 50% off retail rates to help our customers spend less on shipping and more on gifts for their loved ones.