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
2026-10000 — International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreements
The Postal Service is updating its international shipping deals for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service. These changes add new negotiated contracts to their competitive product list, aiming to improve service options and pricing. The updates were filed in May 2026 and could affect customers and businesses using these international mail services soon.
2026-09873 — International Product Change-Global Expedited Package Services-Non-Published Rates
The Postal Service is asking to add a new international shipping option called Global Expedited Package Services—Non-Published Rates 18 to its competitive product list. This change affects businesses and customers who send packages overseas and could mean new pricing options soon. The request was filed on May 11, 2026, and is now under review, so keep an eye out for updates that might impact your shipping costs.
2026-09785 — Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service is updating prices and rules for some popular shipping options like Priority Mail Cubic and USPS Ground Advantage. They’re keeping most prices steady but making packages bigger by increasing size limits from 18 to 22 inches. These changes help businesses and customers ship smarter without surprise costs.
2026-09584 — Change in Rates and Classifications of General Applicability for Competitive Products
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service is updating prices and rules for its competitive products, like Priority Mail and other shipping options. These changes help cover costs fairly and keep prices balanced across services. If you use these shipping options, expect some new rates that support better service and fairness.
2026-08777 — Product Change-Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements, Priority Mail Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is updating its Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage deals by adding new shipping contracts to its special negotiated service list. This means businesses using these services might see new options or pricing changes starting soon. The changes were officially filed in late April 2026 and announced in early May, so keep an eye out if you ship with USPS!
2026-08515 — Overweight and Oversize Items Fee Application
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service will charge a $200 fee for overweight or oversize items found in the mail system or reported in shipping manifests. This fee applies to both retail and commercial mailers, except for items caught and returned during retail transactions. Mailers must pay the fee before their item is released, so watch your package size and weight!
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