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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced plans to increase shipping rates starting January 18, 2026. The proposed changes, approved by the USPS Board of Governors, aim to adjust prices for several services, including a 6.6% increase for Priority Mail, a 5.1% increase for Priority Mail Express, a 7.8% increase for USPS Ground Advantage, and a 6% increase for Parcel Select.
According to the USPS, these adjustments are necessary to generate needed revenue and maintain competitiveness in the market. Unlike mailing service prices, which are tied to the consumer price index, shipping service prices are determined by market conditions. The Postal Service emphasized that the price of First-Class Mail stamps will remain unchanged, following a recent increase to 78 cents in July 2025.
The proposed changes are part of the USPS's broader network modernization and transformation plan, which aims to create a financially sustainable organization capable of fulfilling its public service mission. This includes providing a nationwide, integrated network for mail and package delivery at least six days a week, as intended by Congress.
The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed changes before they take effect. The USPS, which operates independently and does not receive taxpayer funding, relies on revenue from postage sales and shipping services to fund its operations. The organization reported a $9 billion loss in fiscal 2025, highlighting the financial challenges it faces.