USPS Adjusts Competitive Product Prices for Balance
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 18, 2026, the Postal Service is updating prices and rules for its competitive products like Priority Mail and Parcel services. These changes help cover costs and make sure these products contribute fairly to the Postal Service’s overall expenses. If you use or send these services, expect some price tweaks that keep things running smoothly and fairly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 9 costs, 1 mixed.
Airmail M-Bags jump 44% and service restricted
Published prices for Airmail M‑Bags will increase by 44.0% effective January 18, 2026. The product description will be updated to reflect that the U.S. will continue to offer M‑bag service but restrict it solely to printed matter, consistent with the Universal Postal Union change effective January 1, 2025.
Postal competitive rates change Jan 18, 2026
The Postal Service is changing prices and classifications for its competitive products effective January 18, 2026. These changes apply across Priority Mail, Parcel services, USPS Ground Advantage, international services, and related ancillary fees to help those products cover their costs.
Priority Mail Express prices rise ~5.1%
Priority Mail Express prices increase an average of 5.1% effective January 18, 2026. Retail prices increase about 5.0% and Commercial prices about 5.9%, and the Dimension Noncompliance fee will increase to $3.00.
Priority Mail up 6.6% and flat-rate changes
Priority Mail prices increase an average of 6.6% effective January 18, 2026. Retail prices rise about 6.3% and Commercial about 6.9%. New retail Flat Rate Box prices are: Small $12.65, Medium $22.95, Large $31.50, Large APO/FPO/DPO $30.15; regular Flat Rate Envelope $11.95; Legal $12.25; Padded $12.95. The Dimension Noncompliance fee for Priority Mail will increase to $3.00.
Parcel Select prices increase ~6.0%
Parcel Select prices increase on average 6.0% effective January 18, 2026. Destination delivery unit (DDU) and destination sectional center facility (DSCF) parcels increase about 5.9% on average; Connect Local rises about 4.9%. The Dimension Noncompliance fee for Parcel Select will increase to $3.00.
USPS Ground Advantage up 7.8% (Alaska higher)
USPS Ground Advantage prices increase 7.8% on average effective January 18, 2026; retail prices increase about 5.9% and Commercial about 9.6% on average. The Alaska Limited Overland Routes (LOR) category increases about 9.9% on average. The Dimension Noncompliance fee for Ground Advantage will increase to $3.00.
Domestic extra services fees mostly rise; new DDP solution
Multiple domestic ancillary and special service fees change for 2026: Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) retail enrollment $28.70 and online $26.40; weekly reshipment $29.70; PFS Local reshipment $29.70; Adult Signature Service $9.70 (in-person $10.00); Competitive PO Box prices up 5.7% on average; Pickup On Demand remains $26.50; USPS Tracking Plus stays unchanged; Label Delivery Service $1.65; Forwarding and Returns for Parcel Select $3.80; additional Address Correction Service with IMpb $3.20. The document also introduces a new USPS Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solution with a Postal Service facilitation fee (amount not stated) to allow senders to prepay customs duties, taxes, and fees (taxes/duties passed through separately).
Most international package rates up 5.9%
Several international package services increase prices by 5.9% effective January 18, 2026: Priority Mail Express International (PMEI), Priority Mail International (PMI), International Priority Airmail (IPA), and First‑Class Package International Service (FCPIS). For PMEI, Commercial Plus prices will be equivalent to Commercial Base; same equivalence is stated for PMI and FCPIS.
International ancillary services fees increase
Several international ancillary and special service fees will rise effective January 18, 2026: International Certificate of Mailing +14.3%, International Insurance +17.1%, and the Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee +5.6%.
Dimension noncompliance fee raised to $3.00
The Dimension Noncompliance fee (for packages requiring manual handling when dimensions exceed sortation requirements) will increase to $3.00 in 2026 for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and USPS Ground Advantage.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11543 — International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreement
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2026-11467 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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2026-11024 — Product Change-Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is adding new special shipping deals for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage to help businesses save money on shipping. These changes affect companies using negotiated contracts and start rolling out in June 2026. If you ship a lot, keep an eye out for these fresh options that could cut your costs and speed up deliveries!
2026-10968 — Ballot Mail for Federal Elections
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2026-11003 — New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
Starting July 12, 2026, the USPS is shaking up mailing rules and prices for First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, and Periodicals. They’re ditching some old rate categories, simplifying pricing, and letting heavier Marketing Mail pieces fly up to 20-24 ounces. If you send mail, expect new prices and easier rules that could save you time and maybe some money!
2026-10531 — Product Change-Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is adding new special shipping deals for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage to their official list. These changes affect businesses using negotiated contracts and could mean better rates or options starting soon. The updates were filed in May 2026 and are now under review, so keep an eye out if you ship with USPS!
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