How the 2025 USPS rate hikes could impact your shipping costs
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If you plan on mailing gifts, care packages, or online orders later this year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has important news.
The agency has announced its annual peak season rate increases for 2025, which will take effect well before the holidays.
These temporary price hikes will apply to several popular services, including USPS Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express.
The changes could impact anyone sending packages—from occasional shippers to small business owners managing high order volumes.
Knowing the new rates in advance can help you budget and plan your shipments before the busy season begins.
What’s changing with USPS rates in 2025
Each year, USPS applies temporary price increases during the busy holiday season to offset higher operating costs from increased parcel volume.
For 2025, these peak rates—which are subject to Postal Regulatory Commission review—will run from October 5, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
The changes will affect several popular services:
The exact increase depends on package weight, distance, and service type.
Also read: USPS leadership change draws attention amid questions about future service
Here’s a breakdown of the average rate changes:
Also read: Time to check your mailbox? What the USPS wants you to know this week
How it compares to last year
These hikes come on top of price increases implemented just last month.
Ground Advantage’s 5.2% increase is lower than last year’s 6.4% jump, but Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express will see slightly higher increases than their 2024 peak season averages of 5.5% and 4.9%, respectively.
Also read: USPS plans changes to improve efficiency, with potential effects on mail delivery
Why the increase is happening
USPS says the temporary surcharges help cover extra labor, transportation, and operational costs during the holiday rush while keeping prices competitive.
According to a PRC filing, the agency expects to bring in about $99.5 million in additional revenue from these changes, which will help strengthen its financial position under Postmaster General David Steiner.
Also read: Package blackout: USPS temporarily halting Amazon and Walmart deliveries
How USPS compares to other carriers
USPS isn’t alone—FedEx has already announced its own peak season surcharges, and while UPS hasn’t released its holiday pricing yet, it’s expected to follow suit.
Shoppers and businesses comparing rates should check the latest pricing for each carrier before shipping.
Also read: Shocking USPS price hike: How much more will your summer mail cost you?
Tips for keeping shipping costs down
If you’ll be shipping during the upcoming peak season, now is the time to plan ahead.
Comparing carriers, sending packages early, and consolidating shipments can help offset the higher costs.
By staying informed and preparing in advance, you can keep your holiday mailing on track while avoiding unnecessary surprises at the checkout counter.
Read next:USPS is rolling out major updates and customers are being urged to prepare
Will these USPS rate hikes change how you plan your holiday shipping this year? Do you usually send packages early to avoid last-minute costs and delays? What tips do you have for keeping shipping affordable during the busiest months of the year?
The agency has announced its annual peak season rate increases for 2025, which will take effect well before the holidays.
These temporary price hikes will apply to several popular services, including USPS Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express.
The changes could impact anyone sending packages—from occasional shippers to small business owners managing high order volumes.
Knowing the new rates in advance can help you budget and plan your shipments before the busy season begins.
USPS holiday rate increases will affect popular services like Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Ground Advantage. Image source: Pexels / Ekaterina Belinskaya.
What’s changing with USPS rates in 2025
Each year, USPS applies temporary price increases during the busy holiday season to offset higher operating costs from increased parcel volume.
For 2025, these peak rates—which are subject to Postal Regulatory Commission review—will run from October 5, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
The changes will affect several popular services:
- USPS Ground Advantage
- Parcel Select
- Priority Mail
- Priority Mail Express
The exact increase depends on package weight, distance, and service type.
Also read: USPS leadership change draws attention amid questions about future service
Here’s a breakdown of the average rate changes:
| Service | Average Rate Increase |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | 5.2% |
| USPS Ground Advantage (Retail) | 5.1% |
| USPS Ground Advantage (Commercial) | 5.3% |
| Priority Mail | 5.6% |
| Priority Mail (Retail) | 5.8% |
| Priority Mail (Commercial) | 5.2% |
| Priority Mail Express | 5.6% |
| Priority Mail Express (Retail) | 5.7% |
| Priority Mail Express (Commercial) | 4.9% |
| Parcel Select (Destination Entry) | 5.6% |
Also read: Time to check your mailbox? What the USPS wants you to know this week
How it compares to last year
These hikes come on top of price increases implemented just last month.
Ground Advantage’s 5.2% increase is lower than last year’s 6.4% jump, but Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express will see slightly higher increases than their 2024 peak season averages of 5.5% and 4.9%, respectively.
Also read: USPS plans changes to improve efficiency, with potential effects on mail delivery
Why the increase is happening
USPS says the temporary surcharges help cover extra labor, transportation, and operational costs during the holiday rush while keeping prices competitive.
According to a PRC filing, the agency expects to bring in about $99.5 million in additional revenue from these changes, which will help strengthen its financial position under Postmaster General David Steiner.
Also read: Package blackout: USPS temporarily halting Amazon and Walmart deliveries
How USPS compares to other carriers
USPS isn’t alone—FedEx has already announced its own peak season surcharges, and while UPS hasn’t released its holiday pricing yet, it’s expected to follow suit.
Shoppers and businesses comparing rates should check the latest pricing for each carrier before shipping.
Also read: Shocking USPS price hike: How much more will your summer mail cost you?
Tips for keeping shipping costs down
- Compare carriers: Check USPS, FedEx, and UPS for the best combination of rates and delivery times.
- Ship early: Avoid last-minute surcharges and potential delays by mailing packages before the busiest weeks.
- Consolidate packages: Combine multiple gifts into one box to save on per-package fees.
- Use discounts: Look for bulk shipping deals, loyalty program perks, or credit card shipping benefits.
- Track packages: Higher volumes mean more opportunities for delays—tracking helps you stay informed.
If you’ll be shipping during the upcoming peak season, now is the time to plan ahead.
Comparing carriers, sending packages early, and consolidating shipments can help offset the higher costs.
By staying informed and preparing in advance, you can keep your holiday mailing on track while avoiding unnecessary surprises at the checkout counter.
Read next:USPS is rolling out major updates and customers are being urged to prepare
Will these USPS rate hikes change how you plan your holiday shipping this year? Do you usually send packages early to avoid last-minute costs and delays? What tips do you have for keeping shipping affordable during the busiest months of the year?
