Mailing Holiday Gifts? USPS Prices Are Going Up

That pile of holiday gifts won’t be the only thing taking a little more money out of our budgets this year. Temporary USPS price increases are now in effect for several popular package services as the Postal Service handles the annual holiday rush.

The higher prices took effect Oct. 4 and will last through Jan. 17, 2027. After that, prices will revert to regular pricing.

So, how much more are we talking about?

Holiday Shipping Costs Will Depend on the Package

There isn't one universal increase for USPS holiday shipping. Instead, the extra amount will depend on:

• What we're sending

• How much it weighs

• How far it's traveling

• Which service we use

The increases include:

• USPS Ground Advantage: Temporary increases will apply to retail and commercial packages

• Priority Mail: Rates will increase based on the package's weight and destination

• Priority Mail Express: Temporary increases will also vary by weight and distance

• Parcel Select: Commercial shipments will increase based on weight

For a little perspective, the increases range from 40 cents for small, short-distance commercial packages weighing up to 3 pounds to more than $20 for the heaviest long-distance retail shipments.

So, mailing a small gift nearby shouldn’t totally wreck the Christmas budget. But, depending on the package and where it’s headed, these holiday shipping costs could become a little more noticeable.

It’s also worth knowing that these holiday increases come on top of another temporary change. Since April, USPS has applied an 8% increase to base prices for these same four services, and that increase also runs through Jan. 17, 2027.

Not Everything at USPS Is Getting More Expensive

Before we start hoarding stamps, there's an important distinction here. The seasonal change only applies to:

• Priority Mail Express

• Priority Mail

• USPS Ground Advantage

• Parcel Select

USPS specifically said no other products or services will be affected by this temporary adjustment. They said the temporary USPS shipping prices are designed to help cover the additional costs that come with the busy holiday season. 

It also said the adjustment would bring its prices in line with competitive practices. It’s also important to note that temporary holiday increases aren’t new. USPS raised package prices during last year’s busy season, too.

USPS Isn't the Only One Raising Holiday Prices

If you’re thinking about taking your Christmas packages somewhere else, USPS isn’t alone. FedEx also announced its holiday demand surcharges.

Some began as early as Sept. 28, while surcharges on several commonly used FedEx services began on Oct. 26 and continue through Jan. 17.

This may be the year to add shipping costs to the holiday budget along with the presents, wrapping paper and stocking stuffers we swear we’re not buying until December.

A Little Planning Could Help This Holiday Season

The good news is that the temporary USPS holiday rates aren’t permanent. They’re also predictable, which gives us some time to factor shipping into the holiday budget before the boxes start piling up.

If you’re mailing several gifts this year, it may be worth the extra time to compare shipping options before loading up the car. Surely, all of us would rather put a few extra dollars toward what’s inside the Christmas box than toward what it costs to get it there.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.