Your Priority Mail Just Got 5-7% More Expensive, Thanks USPS
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 18, 2026, the Postal Service is raising prices on popular shipping options like Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail by about 5-7%. This affects anyone sending packages or using extra mailing services, with some flat rate envelopes and boxes getting pricier. No changes to mailing rules, just new prices to keep things running smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
Priority Mail Express price rise
Starting January 18, 2026, Priority Mail Express prices rise overall by 5.1 percent. Retail prices average a 5.0 percent increase and Commercial Base prices average a 5.9 percent increase; Flat Rate Envelope prices go to $33.25, Legal Flat Rate Envelope to $33.50, and Padded Flat Rate Envelope to $34.15.
Priority Mail price increases and new flat-rate prices
Effective January 18, 2026, Priority Mail prices increase overall by 6.6 percent. Retail prices rise about 6.3 percent on average and Commercial prices about 6.9 percent; Flat Rate Envelope increases to $11.95, Legal Flat Rate Envelope to $12.25, Padded Flat Rate Envelope to $12.95, Small Flat Rate Box to $12.65, Medium Flat Rate Box to $22.95, and Large Flat Rate Box to $31.50 (APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box to $30.15).
USPS Ground Advantage price increases
On January 18, 2026, USPS Ground Advantage prices increase overall by 7.8 percent; Retail prices rise 5.9 percent while Commercial prices rise 9.6 percent. These changes apply to ground shipping rate schedules.
Extra and nonstandard service fee changes
Starting January 18, 2026, some extra and nonstandard fees change: Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery prices rise an average of 15.5 percent; USPS Label Delivery Service prices increase 6.5 percent; Nonstandard Fees increase an average of 17 percent; the Dimension Noncompliance Fee doubles from $1.50 to $3.00. Pickup on Demand and USPS Tracking Plus prices remain the same.
Parcel Select and USPS Connect price increases
Effective January 18, 2026, Parcel Select Destination Entry prices increase by an average of 6.0 percent and USPS Connect Local prices increase by 4.9 percent. These changes affect parcel entry and local connect services.
New USPS Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service introduced
The Postal Service is introducing a USPS Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) fee and service in the DMM effective January 18, 2026. DDP lets mailers prepay customs duties, taxes, and fees for items mailed from certain U.S. possessions and territories to domestic U.S. locations; the new USPS fee covers facilitation only and does not include those taxes, duties, or non‑USPS fees.
Recipient services and PO Box price rises
Effective January 18, 2026, competitive Post Office Box service prices increase 2.9 percent, Premium Forwarding Service prices increase 6.8 percent, and the USPS Package Intercept fee increases 6.0 percent. Address Enhancement Service and the Package Quality Noncompliance Fee remain the same.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13222 — Product ChangePriority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is updating its Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage shipping deals by adding new negotiated service agreements. These changes affect businesses using these shipping options and could mean new pricing or contract terms starting soon. The official notice was filed in late June 2026, so keep an eye out if you ship with USPS for possible savings or updates.
2026-12164 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The USPS is updating its employee training records to boost how Postal Inspection Service staff get trained and scheduled. These changes will help keep track of training, certifications, and equipment better. The updates kick in on July 17, 2026, unless people send in comments before then.
2026-12190 — Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute Parcel Mailings Discontinued
Starting January 17, 2027, the Postal Service will stop accepting parcels sent with Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute as regular services. This change mainly affects businesses and mailers who send parcels, but they can still use these services for letters and flats or through special agreements. The switch aims to simplify parcel mailing options without raising prices.
2026-12071 — International Mailing Services: Price Changes
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service is updating prices for international mail. Postcards will cost $1.75 worldwide, and some letter and flat rates are changing too. Plus, they’re dropping the Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee for certain inbound mail, making things simpler and sometimes cheaper for senders and receivers around the globe.
2026-11543 — International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreement
The Postal Service is adding a new international shipping deal for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International. This change affects businesses and customers who send packages overseas, offering updated service options and pricing. The new contract kicks in soon after June 9, 2026, aiming to keep international shipping smooth and competitive.
2026-11467 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The USPS is updating how it handles driver info and mail tracking for its Highway Contract Route drivers. They’re moving from paper to a digital system and launching a new mobile app to make mail delivery smoother and safer. These changes start April 10, 2026, with no extra costs or delays, and they affect all USPS contractors using these routes.
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