The Postal Service has filed for a temporary 6% average price increase on parcels over the holidays, covering Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. The rates would run from October 4 to January 17.
A shipper moving lightweight residential parcels decides now whether to re-rate its holiday volume or absorb the increase. The charge is set by weight band and zone, so the increase is biggest on heavy parcels travelling a long way.
The increases by product:
Priority Mail Express: $1.40 to $20.80
Priority Mail: 50 cents to $9.10
Ground Advantage: 50 cents to $7.70
Parcel Select: 40 cents to $2.35
Retail rates rise more than commercial rates at the same weight and zone. A three-pound Zone 1 Ground Advantage commercial parcel goes up 40 cents. A 25-pound Zone 5 Priority Mail Express parcel goes up $10.50, according to Retail Dive.
The Postal Service said the change brings its prices “in line with competitive practices.” UPS raised its ground residential demand surcharge about 25% for this peak. FedEx raised its about 23%, per Supply Chain Dive. The Postal Service’s own peak surcharges last year averaged 4.9% to 5.8%.
An 8% increase on fuel costs, in place since April, runs to the same date. Amazon Shipping is selling against all three carriers with no residential surcharge and no weekend delivery fee.
The Postal Regulatory Commission has to clear the rates before they take effect, under docket CP2026-10.
