Postal Commission Caps USPS Hikes to Once Yearly Till 2030
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, the Postal Regulatory Commission is making new rules to keep postal rate hikes for Market Dominant products to just once a year until 2030. They’re also tightening rules on discounts to make sure they better match actual cost savings. These changes affect the Postal Service and customers by aiming to keep prices fair and predictable.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Limit on Annual Postal Rate Hikes
The Postal Regulatory Commission limits the Postal Service from raising rates of general applicability for Market Dominant products to no more than once per fiscal year. This limitation is implemented for the period March 1, 2026 through September 30, 2030 and is effective February 17, 2026; filings that only lower rates or are de minimis increases are excluded from the limit.
Tighter Rules for Workshare Discounts
The Commission requires that workshare discounts stay as close as possible to the Postal Service's avoided costs and prohibits proposals that increase the absolute difference between a discount and the avoided cost unless a Commission order allows it. If the Postal Service wants an exception, it must file an application for waiver at least 60 days before filing the rate proposal and support the waiver by a preponderance of the evidence.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-10758, System for Regulating Rates and Classes for Market Dominant Products
Starting in 2025, the Postal Service will only change rates for Market Dominant products once a year until 2030, making prices more predictable and easier to manage. They’ll also fix discounts to better match actual cost savings, stopping unfair price cuts. These changes affect businesses and customers who use postal services and aim to save money and simplify how rates are set.
2025-03042, Market Dominant Postal Products
Starting March 28, 2025, the Postal Regulatory Commission is updating rules about discounts and promotions for popular mail services like First-Class and Marketing Mail. These changes affect mailers who use these services by clarifying how discounts count toward price limits, helping the Postal Service manage rates better. If you send mail regularly, these updates could impact your costs and the timing of discounts.
2026-20739, New Postal Products
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The Postal Service has asked for approval of a new special deal for competitive mail services, and the Postal Regulatory Commission is letting everyone know and asking for comments by October 7, 2026. This affects businesses and customers who use these special mail services, with possible changes to pricing or options. It’s a chance to weigh in before the deal moves forward, keeping mail services fresh and fair!
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The Postal Service has asked for approval of new deals that offer special shipping options to businesses. These changes could affect companies using competitive mailing services and might bring new pricing or service tweaks. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 2, 2026, to comment online.
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