USPS Shipping Price Increase 2026: What the New Rates Mean for Senders
We’ve just received word of a USPS shipping price increase in 2026, and the update is scheduled to roll out early next year.
The announcement arrived as a formal notice filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission, the agency that reviews and approves Postal Service pricing decisions.
These changes only affect shipping services, and they’re set to roll out on January 18th.
Mailing Costs Stay Flat as Changes Roll Out
What’s not changing is the cost of mailing a First-Class stamp.
The USPS said it will hold off on any mailing service adjustments for now, which means the holiday rate increases some of us are worried about won’t appear in January.
The Postal Service said its new pricing structure fits in with its long-term plan to steady its financial footing while improving reliability and speed.
According to USPS leadership, small adjustments tied to inflation and growing operational costs are why they’re building a more sustainable system.
Breaking Down the New Shipping Rates
The USPS 2026 rate changes will vary across different services. But, here’s what we know so far:
Priority Mail Express: Expected to increase by about 5.1%
Parcel Select: Will rise around 6%
Priority Mail: Price increase will come in slightly higher at 6.6%
USPS Ground Advantage: Set to increase by about 7.8%
Ground Advantage has become a popular option for budget-friendly shipping, so this adjustment may affect online sellers, small businesses, and families sending heavier packages.
What’s Driving the 2026 Price Changes
The USPS has reminded us that it doesn’t receive tax dollars for day-to-day operations.
Instead, it relies on postage and service revenue to cover the rising costs of transportation, labor, and network updates.
Decision-makers within the USPS believe these pricing changes will keep the agency competitive in a market where shipping costs have been climbing steadily for all major carriers.
A Closer Look at USPS 2025 Finances
The timing of this announcement isn’t random. It arrived the same day the USPS released its fiscal year 2025 financial results, which offer the clearest picture as to why these changes are happening.
Controllable Loss
For the year, the Postal Service reported a $2.7 billion controllable loss, an increase from the $1.8 billion loss recorded in 2024.
Controllable loss reflects financial outcomes that exclude costs outside of management’s direct control, such as workers' compensation adjustments.
This $900 million shift shows how rising expenses continue to squeeze the system.
Total Net Loss
There were also signs of progress. The agency reported that the total net loss narrowed by $542 million, compared to the previous year.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue increased 1.%, landing at an astonishing $80.5 billion.
Much of that growth came from Ground Advantage services and earlier pricing adjustments made throughout 2024 and 2025.
In its Postal Regulatory Commission filing, the USPS emphasized that the 10-year transformation plan remains on track.
That plan focuses on upgrading facilities, improving delivery consistency, and continuing to modernize its national network.
They’re trying to keep shipping prices aligned with inflation and operational realities to maintain their long-term strategy.
What Regular Customers Should Watch Out For
While the new rates won’t take effect until mid-January, it helps to understand how these changes might influence everyday shipping.
Online Sellers
Online sellers may need to review their pricing to stay ahead of higher shipping costs.
Regular customers who rely on Ground Advantage or Priority Mail may notice adjustments when sending packages early in the year.
Everyday Mail
Because mailing service rates won’t change in January, the cost of a First-Class stamp and other basic mailing options will stay the same.
This decision offers a bit of stability for customers who use USPS for bills, cards, and everyday mail.
Small Businesses
Small businesses may want to watch for updated USPS service charts and zone maps as January approaches.
These tools will clarify how the new rates will impact distance, weight, and delivery speed.
The USPS often encourages customers to compare services, especially when one option might be more cost-effective than the other, depending on the package.
What to Expect as January Approaches
The Postal Service said it plans to keep communicating updates over the coming weeks.
As January draws closer, more details about individual shipping categories may be announced, giving everyone time to prepare.
So, it’ll be important to keep an eye on any new updates in the run-up to the New Year.