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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20407 — Air Plan Approval; California; Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District; Stationary Combustion Turbines
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to new rules in Eastern Kern, California, that cut pollution from stationary gas turbines. This means cleaner air by limiting harmful nitrogen oxide emissions starting December 22, 2025. Local businesses running these turbines will need to follow the updated rules, helping the community breathe easier without big costs or delays.
Next: 2025-20449 — Air Plan Approval; South Carolina; Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill Area Maintenance Plan for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to South Carolina’s plan to keep the air clean in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill area through 2036. This plan focuses on controlling pollution from cars and trucks in York County to meet ozone standards. The new rules kick in December 22, 2025, helping protect health without extra costs for the community.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in