USPS proposes temporary holiday shipping rate increases for 2026

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding temporary price increases for select package products during the 2026 peak holiday season. If approved, the adjustments are scheduled to take effect at 12 a.m. CT on October 4, 2026, and remain in place until January 17, 2027.

The temporary rates will affect Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. The price changes are designed to cover extra handling costs and align retail and commercial domestic competitive parcel pricing with market practices.

Specific increases vary by weight and delivery zone. For example, in Zones 1-4, Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage will see increases ranging from $0.50 for packages under 3 lbs to $3.90 for packages between 26 and 70 lbs. For Priority Mail in Zones 5-9, increases range from $1.00 for small packages to $9.10 for heavier items. Priority Mail Flat Rate products will also see increases between $1.00 and $2.10.