If you’re the kind of person who loves sending a little holiday cheer through the mail—whether it’s a box of homemade cookies to the grandkids, a care package to a friend across the country, or a stack of cards to your bridge club—brace yourself.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is rolling out a temporary price hike for package shipping just as the busiest mailing season of the year begins.

The change affects both everyday customers and businesses who rely on shipping services.

The higher rates will only last through the holidays but could add up if you’re planning to send multiple packages.


Every year, the holidays bring a tidal wave of packages, and the USPS has to work overtime to keep up.

Think of it as the postal equivalent of Black Friday at the mall—crowded, chaotic, and requiring a lot of extra hands.

To help cover the costs of this peak season rush, the USPS is temporarily raising prices on several of its most popular shipping services.

The new rates kick in on October 5, 2025, and will stick around until January 18, 2026.

According to the USPS, these increases are all about “covering extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.”

Which Services Are Affected?​

Not every stamp and envelope is getting pricier, but if you’re shipping packages, you’ll want to pay attention. The temporary price increases apply to:

• Priority Mail Express
• Priority Mail
• USPS Ground Advantage
• Parcel Select

Both retail (that’s you and me at the post office counter) and commercial customers (think businesses and online sellers) will see higher rates.

How Much More Will You Pay?​

Here’s what you can expect at the counter:

• Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1-4): Increases range from 40 cents to $3 per package.
• Priority Mail (Zones 5-9): Increases range from 90 cents to $7 per package.
• Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box: Up $1.45.
• Other Flat Rate Products: Up 90 cents.
• Priority Mail Express: For lighter items (0-3 lbs.), you’ll pay $1.10 more; for heavier packages (26-70 lbs.), the increase could be as much as $16.

If you’re a commercial shipper, the increases are a bit different:

• Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1-4): Up 30 cents to $2.25.
• Zones 5-9: Up 70 cents to $6.50.
• Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box: Up $1.25.
• Other Flat Rate Products: Up 70 cents.
• Priority Mail Express: $1 more for lighter items, up to $13 more for heavier ones.
• Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope: Up $1.75.

What About Regular Mail?​

If you’re just sending cards or letters, you’re not off the hook entirely.

Earlier this year, the price of a first-class Forever stamp jumped from 73 cents to 78 cents.

Metered letters, international postage, and postal cards also saw small increases.

While these changes aren’t part of the holiday price hike, they’re worth keeping in mind as you plan your holiday greetings.


The USPS says these adjustments are part of their “Delivering for America” 10-year plan, which aims to put the agency on firmer financial footing.

With more people shopping online and fewer sending traditional mail, the USPS has to adapt to a changing marketplace.

Even with the increases, the agency points out that their prices remain among the most affordable in the world.


Also read: Holiday tradition returns as USPS reopens Santa’s mailbox

Key Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2025​

To make sure your packages arrive by December 25, the USPS recommends mailing by these dates:

1. Lower 48 States​

• First-Class Mail & USPS Ground Advantage: December 17
• Priority Mail: December 18
• Priority Mail Express: December 20

2. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and US Territories​

• USPS Ground Advantage: December 16
• First-Class Mail: December 17
• Priority Mail: December 18
• Priority Mail Express: December 20

Pro tip: The earlier you send, the better. The holidays are notorious for weather delays and last-minute surges, so don’t wait until the last minute!


Also read: Smart ways to save more on holiday shopping this year

Tips to Save on Holiday Shipping​

Every penny counts, especially during the holidays. Here are a few ways to keep your shipping costs in check:

1. Compare Services: Sometimes, USPS Ground Advantage is cheaper than Priority Mail for non-urgent packages.
2. Use Flat Rate Boxes: If your package is heavy but fits in a flat rate box, you might save money—especially for cross-country shipments.
3. Print Labels Online: USPS often offers a small discount for printing postage at home.
4. Consolidate Shipments: Sending multiple gifts to the same address? Combine them into one box to save on shipping.
5. Double-Check Addresses: Avoid costly returns and delays by making sure your recipient’s address is correct and complete.
6. Consider Alternatives: For some packages, UPS or FedEx might offer competitive rates—especially for larger or heavier items.

Read next: Protect Your Holiday Packages: Expert Tips from Police and Delivery Services on Outsmarting Porch Pirates
Are you planning to send holiday packages this year? Have you found any clever ways to save on shipping, or do you have a favorite USPS holiday memory? Maybe you’re a former postal worker with insider tips!