As the holiday season approaches, the United States Postal Service has unveiled new temporary rate increases that will impact many shoppers, businesses, and mailers starting this fall.

Timing & Scope: What You Need to Know

Effective Dates: The surcharge applies from midnight Central on October 5, 2025, through midnight Central on January 18, 2026
Affected Services: The increases apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select, for both retail and commercial customers. Other services remain unchanged
Purpose: These surcharges are intended to offset the heightened handling costs during peak season and align USPS pricing with competitive carriers like UPS and Fedex who also have similar surcharges

Rate Breakdown: How Much More Will You Pay?

Below are the average rate increases for each class

USPS Ground Advantage (overall average): +5.2%

Retail: ~5.1%
Commercial: ~5.3%

Priority Mail: +5.6%

Retail: ~5.8%
Commercial: ~5.2%

Priority Mail Express: +5.6%

Retail: ~5.7%
Commercial: ~4.9%

Smart Tips to Mitigate Holiday Costs

Compare carriers: FedEx and others also impose peak surcharges, but timing and amounts vary. Evaluating all options could save money
Estimate early: Use USPS calculators or compare with last year’s costs to plan your budget accordingly.
Ship strategic products: Flat‑rate boxes benefit light but bulky items; ground shipping can be more cost-effective for heavier packages.
Encourage early holiday shopping: Spreading volume earlier in the season can reduce surcharge exposure and boost customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The USPS holiday rate increase for 2025–2026 reflects a pressing need to manage seasonal strain on its infrastructure and finances. While fees vary by weight, zone, and service, the bottom line is clear: expect higher costs on holiday shipping.

By staying informed and planning proactively, you can ease the budget impact and maintain smooth delivery operations during the busiest time of the year.