#United States #Washington #USPS #Holiday Shipping #Price Change

U.S. Postal Service Announces Temporary Price Changes for Holiday Shipping

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has officially submitted a proposal for a temporary price adjustment on certain package services in preparation for the bustling holiday season of 2025. This move responds to the rising costs associated with handling and transporting packages during this peak period.

On August 7, 2025, USPS governors approved the pricing plan, which now awaits review by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). If authorized, these temporary rates will be implemented at midnight Central on October 5, 2025, and will remain effective until January 18, 2026.

Pricing Impact on Services

The proposed pricing alterations will influence various domestic shipping options, including:

• - Priority Mail Express (PME)
• - Priority Mail (PM)
• - USPS Ground Advantage
• - Parcel Select

Notably, this price adjustment excludes other USPS products and services, ensuring that customers can still access affordable options amidst the seasonal changes in pricing.

Retail Price Increases

Here’s a quick overview of the proposed increases for retail customers:

• - Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1-4):

- $0.40 increase for 0-3 lbs.
- $0.60 increase for 4-10 lbs.
- $0.95 increase for 11-25 lbs.
- $3.00 increase for 26-70 lbs.

• - Priority Mail (Zones 5-9):

- $0.90 increase for 0-3 lbs.
- $1.45 increase for 4-10 lbs.
- $3.25 increase for 11-25 lbs.
- $7.00 increase for 26-70 lbs.

• - Flat Rate Pricing:

- $1.45 increase for large Flat Rate boxes.
- $0.90 increase for all other Flat Rate products.

The adjustments for Priority Mail Express are similarly proportionate, ensuring that the USPS can maintain competitive pricing in alignment with industry practices.

Commercial Price Increases

For commercial clients, the adjustments are slightly more modest, allowing businesses to continue leveraging USPS services affordably:

• - Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1-4):

- $0.30 increase for 0-3 lbs.
- $0.45 increase for 4-10 lbs.
- $0.75 increase for 11-25 lbs.
- $3.00 increase for 26-70 lbs.

• - Additional Adjustments:

- $1.00 increase for PME in Zones 1-4 for items up to 3 lbs.
- Up to $13.00 increase for heavier items in Zones 5-9.

Strategic Vision and Support Plan

These temporary price modifications are just one aspect of the USPS’s broader Delivering for America overhaul plan, which spans a decade. This initiative aims to bolster the organization’s operational capabilities, ensuring they can effectively meet the demands of shipping and mail delivery across the nation while fostering financial sustainability. The USPS prides itself on its mission to deliver affordable, reliable services to nearly 169 million addresses multiple days each week without relying on taxpayer funding.

Looking Ahead

The PRC will thoroughly examine the proposed price changes before implementation. Customers can access detailed information about the price adjustments on the PRC website and the Postal Explorer site. As the holiday season approaches, USPS is committed to delivering efficient and cost-effective service, emphasizing its role as a vital component of the American economy.

For more information, visit USPS.com or access their official media resources for updates.