USPS Ditches Parcel Mail Options—But Only Sort Of?
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service will stop offering Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute for parcels as a regular service. This change mainly affects businesses and mailers who send parcels this way, but don’t worry—these parcel services will still be available through special agreements. If you use these services, keep an eye out for new options and get ready to adjust your mailing plans!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Parcels Removed From Published Service
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service will stop offering Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute for parcels as a regular published service. This change mainly affects businesses and mailers who send parcels using those published services and means you may need to change how you send parcel mailings after that date.
Parcels Available Only Via NSAs
After July 12, 2026, parcel mailings using Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute will be made available to mailers only through a negotiated service agreement (NSA). If you want to continue sending parcels under these service names, you must use an NSA arrangement.
Letters/Flats Expedited Service Kept
The Postal Service will continue to offer Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute as options to expedite letter-size or flat-size pieces to destination postal facilities. If you send letters or flats, you can still use these services for expedited delivery to destination facilities.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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