The U.S. Postal Service is planning a temporary increase in prices for some package shipping services during the 2026 holiday season.
USPS has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding the proposed price adjustment, which is intended to help cover additional handling costs associated with the increased package volume during the peak holiday season.
If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the temporary rates would take effect at midnight Central Time on October 4 and remain in place through January 17, 2027.
The proposed changes would apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select for domestic packages. Other Postal Service products and services would not be affected.
The amount of the increase will vary depending on the service, package weight and shipping distance. For example, retail Priority Mail and Ground Advantage packages traveling shorter distances would see increases ranging from 50 cents to $3.90, depending on weight. Some longer-distance shipments would see larger increases.
The Postal Service says the temporary adjustment is designed to help ensure a successful holiday shipping season while covering the additional costs associated with handling the seasonal increase in packages.