U.S. News
USPS Announces Holiday Shipping Price Increases
By Jake Beardslee · October 13, 2025
Seasonal Rate Adjustment Announced
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a temporary shipping rate increase, effective from October 5, 2025, through January 18, 2026, to offset higher operational costs during the holiday rush. The adjustment, part of the agency’s ongoing modernization efforts, affects key services including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. Despite the price increases, the Postal Service maintained that its shipping options remain among the most affordable worldwide. Tareq Ismail / Unsplash
Services Impacted and Rate Structure
According to USPS, the price increase will apply selectively to certain weight classes and shipping zones. The affected categories include Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. Rates vary by zone—ranging from Zone 1 (nearest) to Zone 9 (farthest)—and by package weight. For Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, packages between 0 and 3 pounds in Zones 1–4 will see a $0.40 increase, while heavier or more distant packages could cost up to $3.00 more. Jason Hawke / Unsplash
Higher Costs for Long-Distance and Express Shipments
For Priority Mail Express, the price increase is more pronounced. Shipments between 0 and 3 pounds in Zones 1–4 will cost $1.10 more, while those sent to Zones 5–9 will rise by $2.00. Parcel Select, a popular option for bulk and commercial shipping, will see smaller but variable increases—from $0.30 to $2.25 depending on weight and cubic size. Element5 Digital / Pexels
Part of a Long-Term Modernization Plan
This holiday rate increase aligns with USPS’s 10-year strategic plan to improve financial sustainability and service efficiency. The plan seeks to modernize logistics operations, maintain steady service levels amid record parcel volumes, and minimize disruptions during high-demand periods such as Christmas. Ekaterina Belinskaya / Pexels