If you’re planning to send packages through the United States Postal Service (USPS) this holiday season, be prepared to pay a little more.
USPS confirmed that beginning Oct. 5, 2025, temporary price increases will take effect across several package services and remain in place through Jan. 18, 2026. According to the agency, these adjustments are meant to offset “extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.” The Postal Regulatory Commission has already approved the changes.
The new rates will apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.
“This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s retail and commercial customers in line with competitive practices,” USPS said in a statement.
What Customers Can Expect
For retail customers:
- Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1–4): increases of $0.40 to $3
- Priority Mail (Zones 5–9): increases of $0.90 to $7
- Flat rate boxes and envelopes: an additional $1.45 for large flat rate boxes and $0.90 for other flat rate products
- Priority Mail Express: anywhere from $1.10 more for packages up to 3 lbs., to $16 more for packages weighing 26–70 lbs.
For commercial customers:
- Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1–4): increases of $0.30 to $2.25
- Zones 5–9: increases of $0.70 to $6.50
- Priority Mail flat rate boxes: up $1.25 for large boxes, $0.70 for other flat rate products
- Priority Mail Express: up $1 for lighter items and up to $13 for heavier packages; flat rate envelopes will rise by $1.75
Holiday Shipping Deadlines
On Sept. 17, USPS released its recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates to ensure delivery by Dec. 25:
- Lower 48 states: First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage by Dec. 17; Priority Mail by Dec. 18; Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories: USPS Ground Advantage by Dec. 16; First-Class Mail by Dec. 17; Priority Mail by Dec. 18; Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20
Other USPS Price Changes
This past July, the price of a first-class Forever stamp increased from 73 cents to 78 cents, along with metered letters (69 to 74 cents), international postage ($1.65 to $1.70), and domestic postal cards (56 to 61 cents).
“As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world,” the agency noted in a news release.
