USPS Updates Shipping Deals to Help Businesses Save

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!

Previous: 2025-19841 — Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of Illinois

Illinois small businesses and farms in Coles and nearby counties hit by a nasty algal bloom can now apply for special low-interest disaster loans. These loans help cover money lost between July 10 and August 1, 2025, and applications are open until August 6, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to get financial help and keep your business afloat!

Next: 2025-19843 — Applications for New Awards; Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education-Special Projects (FIPSE-SP)

The Department of Education is offering new grants for 2025 to colleges and nonprofits to fund cool projects that improve higher education. This year, they’re focusing on using AI in schools, encouraging respectful campus talks, fixing accreditation, and boosting short-term programs. Applications open November 12 and close December 3, so don’t miss your chance to grab some funding and make a difference!