How to score a $100 bonus from USPS and make sure your holiday gifts arrive right on time

The holiday rush is officially here, and for many, that means boxes piling up, gift lists growing longer, and one big question: will everything make it on time?

If you’re already planning your shipments and worrying about lost or damaged packages, there’s good news that could take a little stress off your shoulders.

The US Postal Service is quietly giving customers a $100 bonus this season, built right into its shipping services. No sign-ups, no secret codes, no extra charge.

A $100 safety net for your holiday packages​

Let’s cut to the chase: when you ship most packages with USPS this holiday season, you’re automatically getting $100 of built-in insurance at no extra cost. That means if your package is lost or damaged in transit, you’re covered up to a hundred bucks. No forms to fill out, no extra fees to pay. It’s like a safety net for your holiday cheer.

This perk comes standard with Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, two of the most popular shipping options for holiday gifts. So if you’re sending a hand-knit scarf to your granddaughter or a box of homemade cookies to your old college roommate, you can rest a little easier knowing your package is protected.

USPS steps up for the holiday rush​

If you’ve ever stood in a post office line in December, you know the holiday shipping season is no small feat. But this year, USPS is more prepared than ever, thanks to a massive $20 billion investment over the past four years. There’s a full-scale modernization: new mail processing technology, advanced sorting equipment, and improved delivery routes from coast to coast.

Postmaster General David Steiner is confident: “We are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public.” And the numbers back him up. USPS has added over 600 package sorters nationwide, boosting daily capacity from 60 million to a whopping 88 million packages. Last December, they handled 45% more packages per day than their competitors and still managed to deliver over 350 million mail pieces daily.

Also read: USPS just revealed major post office upgrades—here’s what to expect

Modernized, faster, and greener than before​

The upgrades don’t stop at sorting machines. USPS has opened nine new Regional Processing and Distribution Centers, 19 transfer hubs, 17 local processing centers, and 133 sorting and delivery sites, all in just four years. Mail sent within the same region now arrives in just two or three days, making last-minute gift-giving a little less stressful.

Nearly 29,000 new vehicles have hit the road this year, with 24,000 already in service. The plan is to replace older models with 106,000 next-generation vehicles, including 66,000 zero-emission electric trucks. That means fewer breakdowns, lower emissions, and more reliable deliveries even when the snow starts to fall.

What to know about the temporary price hike​

You might be thinking, “All these improvements sound great, but what’s it going to cost me?” USPS has announced a temporary price increase for the holiday season, but it’s still one of the most affordable options out there. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1-4): Increases range from $0.40 to $3.00 depending on weight.
• Priority Mail (Zones 5-9): Increases from $0.90 to $7.00.
• Priority Mail Express: Increases from $1.10 to $16.00 depending on zone and weight.

On average, USPS is delivering across the country in under three days, and with $100 insurance included, it’s still a bargain, especially compared to private carriers. If your package is lost or damaged, you can file a claim and get reimbursed, with no extra charge.

And if you’re sending something extra valuable, you can always purchase additional insurance for a small fee. But for most gifts, that $100 cushion is more than enough.

Also read: Are your holiday packages about to cost more? See how much USPS shipping prices are rising this season

Filing a claim: What you need to know​

If something does go wrong with your shipment, understanding the claims process is crucial. You must file claims no later than 60 days from the date of mailing, so don't wait if you suspect a problem.

To file a successful claim, you'll need:

• Your original mailing receipt
• Proof of the item's value (receipt, invoice, or similar documentation)
• Photos of any damage
• The tracking number

Claims can be submitted online or at your local post office, making the process more convenient than it used to be.

Read next:

• You may never have to leave home for Amazon returns again—how the new USPS pickup works
• Is your mail really safe? Shocking rise in stolen checks as USPS insiders admit troubling issues
• Smart ways to save more on holiday shopping this year

Key Takeaways

• The US Postal Service has invested $20 billion in modernizing its national network over the past four years, including adding advanced sorting equipment and launching new processing centers to prepare for busy holiday seasons.
• Most USPS deliveries now come with $100 insurance included, offering a handy bonus for Americans shipping holiday gifts and parcels.
• Despite a temporary price hike for the holiday season, USPS remains one of the most affordable shipping options, delivering most parcels nationwide in under three days.
• USPS is rolling out a new delivery fleet with thousands of next-generation and electric vehicles, aiming to cut emissions, reduce maintenance costs, and improve peak season reliability.

Have you ever had a holiday shipping mishap or a USPS success story? Are you planning to take advantage of the $100 insurance this year? Maybe you have a tried-and-true tip for getting gifts delivered on time.