- The USPS will once again hike prices during the holidays. The increased prices will begin on Oct. 5 and run through Jan 18. First-class postage won’t be affected, but anyone planning to send packages during the holiday season should be prepared to pay more.
It’s not just tariffs and inflation that will be driving the cost of the holidays up this year. The U.S. Postal Service says it will once again add surcharges onto packages shipped between Oct. 5 and Jan. 18 to help offset higher shipping costs. That will mean you can expect to pay anywhere from an extra 30 cents to an extra $16, depending on the size of the package and the distance is needs to travel.
The extra charges will apply to both individuals and corporations. The USPS has rolled out the surcharges for at least the last five years (and at least six for commercial customers).
The increased prices will only apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select service. The higher rates must first be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, but that’s expected to be a largely ceremonial approval.
“These temporary changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term,” the USPS said in a statement.
Retail customers can expect to pay between 40 cents and $3 more for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage packages for Zones 1-4 (destinations that are closer to the shipping location). For farther destinations, the increase on Priority Mail will range from 90 cents (for packages that are 0-3 lbs) to $7 (for those between 26-70 lbs.) Ground advantage for longer trips will cost between 50 cents and $5.75.
Priority Mail Flat Rate will see an increase of $1.45 for large flat-rate boxes, while others will cost 90 cents more. The Priority Mail express flat rate will jump $2 for envelopes.
And customers who use Priority Mail Express can expect to spend between $1.10 and $16 more, depending on package size and the distance it will need to travel.