The United States Postal Service (USPS) has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission to temporarily raise prices for shipping services. These modifications will go into effect on October 5, 2025. This decision is intended to better ensure that increasing handling costs are covered and prices are closer to what has become common in competitive market practice. These higher rates will remain in place through January 18, 2026. This decrease will impact the commercial customers who ship with Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Parcel Select, and USPS Ground Advantage services.
Starting at midnight Central Time on October 5, consumers will face price increases on various USPS products, including some that are particularly important for them. The announcement follows 2023’s holiday shipping season, where USPS has already underscored their importance to deliver on time amid increasing expectation for delivery speed.
Details of Price Increases
The forthcoming price adjustments will apply to four major shipping services:
- Priority Mail
- Priority Mail Express
- Parcel Select
- USPS Ground Advantage
Each of these services will experience rate increases beginning at midnight CT on October 5. The Postal Service has repeatedly highlighted the role of these changes in preventing snarls and other interruptions to operations during the Postal Service’s busiest season, the holiday rush.
“These increases help cover extra handling costs and bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices.” – The Postal Service
With consumers just starting to prepare for the holiday shopping season, significant shipping volume increases are anticipated. These changes help meet this increasing need.
Duration of Price Changes
These temporary price increases will be in effect until midnight CT, January 18th, 2026. This long lead time allows for consideration of the holiday season’s busiest shipping periods. It gives their customers the opportunity to schedule their shipping needs in a timely manner.
The Postal Service is preparing for the peak of shipping volumes as we near Christmas. They’re encouraging consumers to ship their holiday packages early this year, before the holiday rush hits.
“To make sure your holiday shipments arrive in time for Christmas.” – The Postal Service
USPS understands the importance of delivering packages on time, every time. Now, they all stand poised to meet this increased demand as it finally comes online.
Implications for Customers
Current customers of USPS should prepare for service cuts and price increases. Get ready to shift your shipping strategies in time for the biggest holiday season yet! This may be a time when individual consumers and businesses alike need to recalibrate their budgets to reflect reality.
Changing prices will affect all users, new and existing. Small business owners who ship their products and families who send gifts will all be impacted. The Postal Service is moving forward with these changes to focus on delivering the best possible service. Simultaneously, they’re surprising the increased costs that have come up during this time.
