USPS Jacking Up Package Prices – Mail Costs Climb Once More
Published Date: 5/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The Postal Service is updating prices and rules for some of its competitive mail products, like Priority Mail and Parcel Select. These changes affect businesses and customers who use these services, with new prices kicking in soon to keep things fair and efficient. Expect some tweaks in how you send packages and what it costs, starting shortly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Priority Mail & Parcel Select Price Change
If you use Priority Mail or Parcel Select, the Postal Service is changing prices for those competitive products. These new prices will take effect starting shortly and will change what businesses and customers pay to send packages.
Mailing Standards Updated for Packages
The Postal Service is updating mailing standards in the Domestic Mail Manual for competitive products like Priority Mail and Parcel Select. These changes affect how businesses and customers prepare and send packages and will take effect starting shortly.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06376 — Revised Mailing Standards for Firearms
The Postal Service is updating its rules to ban mailing concealable firearms, following a legal opinion from the Department of Justice. This change affects anyone who ships guns through the mail and aims to keep things safer and clearer. Comments on the new rules are open until May 4, 2026, so speak up if you want to weigh in!
2026-06235 — Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is adding new special shipping deals for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. These changes affect businesses using negotiated contracts and could mean better rates or options starting soon. The official notice was filed in late March 2026, so keep an eye out for updates that might save you money or speed up your shipments!
2026-06223 — Parcel Dimension Compliance
Starting July 12, 2026, the Postal Service will require all parcels to have their exact dimensions reported in shipping manifests. This change affects anyone sending parcels and aims to improve accuracy before charging fees for dimension mistakes in early 2027. The new rules help keep shipping fair and smooth, with some fees already applying to big parcels if dimensions are missing or wrong.
2026-05768 — Overweight and Oversize Items Fee Application
The Postal Service is updating its rules about fees for overweight and oversize packages. Starting July 12, 2026, most overweight or oversize items found in the mail system will face a $200 fee before they’re released, except those caught and returned during retail transactions. This change affects anyone sending big or heavy packages and aims to keep the mail moving smoothly.
2026-05405 — Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute Parcel Mailings Discontinued
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!
2026-05226 — Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is adding a new shipping deal for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage to its special contract list. This change affects businesses using these services and could mean better rates or options starting soon. The official notice was filed on March 18, 2026, so keep an eye out for updates that might save you money or speed up your shipments!
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