USPS Increase Shipping Rates 2026: Effective Jan 18
Heads up, shippers. The United States Postal Service has announced another round of price adjustments for its shipping services. If you send packages, this is news you’ll want to pay attention to. The latest usps increase shipping rates is scheduled to take effect on January 18, 2026.
This change will affect popular services, raising prices on everything from Priority Mail to the budget friendly Ground Advantage service. The good news? These changes only apply to packages. The Postal Service is not increasing prices for Mailing Services in January, so the cost of a First Class Mail stamp will remain the same for now.
Let’s break down exactly what’s changing, how it will impact your shipping costs, and what you can do to keep your expenses as low as possible.
What’s Changing with the January 2026 USPS Rate Increase?
The upcoming usps increase shipping rates will vary by service. While these are averages, they give a clear picture of what to expect for your shipping budget in the new year. All changes officially go into effect on January 18, 2026, assuming the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) gives its final approval.
Priority Mail Rate Increase: 6.6 Percent
USPS Priority Mail, the popular choice for delivery in one to three business days, will see an average rate increase of 6.6%. This applies to both the weight and zone based pricing and the convenient Flat Rate boxes. Priority Mail will continue to include features like USPS Tracking and, for many shipments, up to $100 of insurance.
Priority Mail Express Rate Increase: 5.1 Percent
For your most urgent shipments, Priority Mail Express offers guaranteed overnight to 2 day delivery. This premium service is getting a smaller price bump, with rates set to rise by an average of 5.1%. This more modest adjustment helps keep USPS competitive for expedited shipping, often remaining one of the most affordable overnight options available.
USPS Ground Advantage Rate Increase: 7.8 Percent
USPS Ground Advantage, the service that replaced First Class Package and Parcel Select Ground in July 2023, is seeing the largest jump. If you’re comparing these products, see our guide to Parcel Select Lightweight and Ground. Shippers can expect an average usps increase shipping rates of 7.8% for this service. Ground Advantage is a go to for reliable and affordable ground shipping for packages up to 70 pounds, delivering in two to five business days.
Parcel Select Rate Increase: 6.0 Percent
Parcel Select is a bulk ground shipping service used primarily by large volume ecommerce businesses and logistics partners. These rates will rise by an average of 6.0%. This service involves partners transporting packages deep into the USPS network for the final delivery, a process known as last mile delivery.
Key Details Shippers Need to Know
Beyond the specific percentages, a few other key factors are at play with this rate change. Understanding the context can help you plan your shipping strategy.
No January 2026 Mailing Service Price Change
It’s worth repeating: this usps increase shipping rates only affects packages. The Postal Service confirmed it will not raise prices for its Mailing Services products like First Class Mail letters and postcards in January 2026. This decision provides a bit of stability for anyone relying on traditional mail. This is partly due to a recent PRC ruling that limits USPS to just one price hike for mail per year through 2030.
The PRC Review of Shipping Services
Before any new rates become official, they must be reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), an independent agency that oversees the Postal Service. USPS submitted its proposal in late 2025, and the PRC will review it to ensure it complies with legal and regulatory standards. For competitive shipping products, this review is typically a formality, and the rates are expected to be approved without issue.
Why Do Carrier Rates Change?
A carrier rate change is a standard adjustment to pricing made by shipping companies like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. These changes are driven by several factors:
- Operating Costs: This includes rising expenses for fuel, labor, and transportation.
- Inflation: General economic inflation affects the cost of everything needed to run a massive delivery network.
- Market Conditions: Carriers adjust prices to stay competitive with each other while ensuring they generate enough revenue.
- Financial Sustainability: USPS is unique because it generally receives no tax dollars for its operating expenses and must rely on the sale of postage and services to fund its operations. Regular rate adjustments are part of its plan to achieve financial stability.
How to Save Money on Shipping
Even with a usps increase shipping rates, you don’t have to pay the highest price. The most effective way to lower your shipping costs is to stop paying retail prices—start with our shipping discounts guide.
The Big Difference: Commercial vs. Retail Rates
USPS has two main pricing tiers, and the difference is significant.
- Retail Rates: This is the price you pay when you walk up to the counter at a Post Office. It’s the most expensive way to ship.
- Commercial Rates: These are discounted rates available to shippers who purchase and print their postage online through approved software. New to printing? See our guide to your shipping label.
Historically, you needed to ship huge volumes to get these discounts. Today, anyone can access them. For the January 2026 rate change, commercial rates are also increasing, in some cases by a higher percentage than retail rates. For example, commercial Ground Advantage rates are set to rise 9.6% while retail rates will only rise 5.9%.
However, the key takeaway is that even after the usps increase shipping rates, commercial prices will remain significantly cheaper than retail prices. Using online software to buy your postage can save you 20 to 40% or even more on every package. If you’re still paying at the counter, switching is the easiest way to soften the blow of these new prices. You can also schedule a free USPS pickup so you don’t need to visit the counter at all.
The smartest strategy for any shipper is to stay informed and flexible. After this usps increase shipping rates, it’s a great time to compare shipping rates from multiple carriers. For some packages, USPS might still be the cheapest, while for others, UPS or FedEx could offer a better deal—see our UPS vs USPS price comparison. Using a free tool lets you see all your options in one place, ensuring you always find the best price for every shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the USPS increase shipping rates?
The new rates for USPS shipping services are scheduled to go into effect on January 18, 2026.
Will the price of a Forever stamp go up in January 2026?
No. The January 2026 price change only applies to competitive shipping services (packages). The price for Mailing Services, including First Class Mail stamps, will not change at that time.
Which USPS service is increasing the most?
USPS Ground Advantage will see the highest average rate increase at 7.8%.
How can I get the best price after the USPS increase shipping rates?
The best way to save money is to use online shipping software to access discounted Commercial Rates instead of paying full retail prices at the Post Office. It’s also wise to compare options across carriers to find the cheapest service for your specific package. Shipping something heavy? See whether UPS or USPS is cheaper for a 50 lb box.
Is Priority Mail still a good value?
Even with a 6.6% average increase, Priority Mail often remains a competitive option for packages that need to arrive in one to three days (see how fast Priority Mail really is), especially since it includes tracking and some insurance at no extra cost.
What is the difference between USPS Shipping and Mailing Services?
Shipping Services are competitive products used for sending packages (like Priority Mail and Ground Advantage) where USPS competes with other carriers. Mailing Services are market dominant products for things like letters and postcards where USPS has a monopoly. They are regulated differently and have separate price increase schedules.