USPS shipping rates increase July 2023 – Weight Charts & More

Explore USPS 2025 rate increases, shipping charts, and how Pitney Bowes helps you save on postage with discounted rates and shipping software.
SendTech Staff Pitney Bowes
08/29/2025

USPS Rate Increase 2025 – New Prices, Weight Charts & Shipping Tips

Shipping costs are top-of-mind for businesses of all sizes right now—and with good reason. As of July 13, 2025, USPS has implemented new rate increases for both mailing and shipping services. These price hikes are part of the broader "Delivering for America" plan that began in 2021, with USPS aiming to achieve financial self-sufficiency through predictable, twice-yearly rate adjustments.

Since the plan launched, businesses have had to adapt to a new normal where shipping and mailing costs are updated every January and July. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for accurately budgeting and making smart logistics decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down the July 2025 USPS rate increases, explain how shipping costs are calculated, and provide updated weight-by-zone pricing charts for Ground Advantage™, Priority Mail®, and Priority Mail Express®.

Table of Contents:

How are USPS shipping rates calculated

Understanding how USPS calculates shipping rates is key to controlling your costs—especially when rates change twice a year. The price you pay depends on four core factors: weight, size, distance, and speed.

Package weight is one of the most influential factors. USPS domestic services support packages up to 70 lbs. Ground Advantage™ charges by the ounce for packages under 1 lb, and by the pound for anything heavier.

Package size affects rates too, especially for large but lightweight shipments. If a package is over 1 cubic foot, USPS uses dimensional (DIM) weight pricing. For USPS Ground Advantage™, packages must not exceed 130 inches when combining length and girth.

Distance is measured using USPS zones. The greater the distance between your origin and destination, the higher the zone—and the cost:

  • Zone 1: 1–50 miles
  • Zone 2: 51–150 miles
  • Zone 3: 151–300 miles
  • Zone 4: 301–600 miles
  • Zone 5: 601–1000 miles
  • Zone 6: 1001–1400 miles
  • Zone 7: 1401–1800 miles
  • Zone 8: Over 1800 miles
  • Zone 9: U.S. territories and possessions

Shipping speed rounds out the equation. The faster the delivery, the more you'll pay. USPS Priority Mail Express® offers overnight or next-day delivery with a money-back guarantee, while Ground Advantage™ provides reliable 2–5 day shipping at a more affordable rate.

Pro tip: Shipping software like PitneyShip® helps you compare USPS and other carriers in one place, so you can balance cost and speed without guessing.

USPS 2025 rate changes highlights

On July 13, 2025, USPS introduced new price adjustments that impact both mailing services and shipping services as part of broader USPS 2025 changes. These updates reflect a planned USPS price increase under the agency’s ongoing strategy to modernize operations and maintain financial sustainability. Below, we’ve summarized the most important USPS 2025 rate changes—both proposed and finalized—so you can adjust your sending and fulfillment strategies accordingly.

USPS postage rates – July 2025

USPS mailing services saw an average rate increase of 7.4%, part of the broader USPS 2025 changes and reflective of the ongoing postage stamp increase strategy to sustain operations. These USPS 2025 rate changes impact key mailing categories including First-Class Mail®, Certified Mail®, and large envelopes.

First-Class Mail® pricing changes:

  • The Forever Stamp now costs 78¢, up from 73¢—a notable forever stamp price increase that affects millions of businesses and households.
  • Retail and metered letters both increased by 5¢. The metered letter rate still offers a 4¢ savings over retail.
  • The additional ounce rate has risen from 28¢ to 29¢.

First-Class Flats (Large Envelopes):

  • Base postage increased by 13¢.
  • Additional ounce charges can now reach up to 30¢ depending on weight.

Certified Mail® updates:

  • The Certified Mail service fee is now $5.30 per piece.
  • A physical Green Card Return Receipt costs $4.40.
  • An Electronic Return Receipt is priced at $2.82—a cost-saving option for businesses seeking efficiency.

For example, sending a 1 oz First-Class Mail letter with Certified Mail® and a physical return receipt now totals $10.44, whereas opting for the electronic receipt lowers that cost to $8.86.

Note: USPS has slightly reduced insurance coverage values for some mail categories—approximately a 12% decrease.

Using solutions like PitneyShip® can simplify sending Certified Mail and reduce mailing costs. The software helps manage receipts electronically, streamline workflows, and take full advantage of available discounts.

Also worth noting: A USPS proposed rate change for 2025 aimed at eliminating Bound Printed Matter was not approved. This product will remain available.

These USPS postage rate changes demonstrate the importance of regularly reviewing mailing costs and adjusting your sending strategies accordingly.

USPS shipping rates – July 2025

The latest USPS shipping rates took effect on July 13, 2025, reflecting a broader USPS price increase strategy across core USPS services used by ecommerce sellers, retailers, and small businesses.

Here’s how the average USPS 2025 rate changes break down:

  • Priority Mail®: +6.3%
  • USPS Ground Advantage™: +7.1%
  • Parcel Select®: +7.6%
  • Priority Mail Express®: Unchanged

These increases vary depending on weight and zone, but USPS continues to offer flexible options for shippers of all sizes.

To give you a clearer view of how current pricing compares across services, here’s a summary of July 2025 rates for common package types:

USPS Shipping Services – July 2025 Rate Changes

USPS Service

% Change (2024→2025)

Starting Rate (July 2025)

Pitney Bowes PB Rate

Priority Mail®

+6.3%

~$9.95 (1 lb, Zone 4)

~$7.88 (1 lb, Zone 1) — ~22% savings

Ground Advantage™

+7.1%

~$8.15 (1 lb, Zone 1)

~$4.20 (1–4 oz, Zone 1) — ~38% savings

Priority Mail Express®

Unchanged

$31.95 (1 lb, Zone 1)

~$31.40 (Zone 1)

Small Flat Rate Box

+3%

$10.50

N/A (PB typically uses Commercial pricing)

Medium Flat Rate Box

+11%

$23.40

~$18.50 — ~21% savings

Large Flat Rate Box

+7%

$27.90

~$25.85 — ~10% savings

First-Class Package (1 oz.)

+7.8%

$0.74

$0.69 — 5¢ savings per stamp

*PB Rate reflects discounted commercial pricing available through PitneyShip® software. Rates may vary by volume and shipping profile.

With USPS shipping prices 2025 on the rise, Pitney Bowes tools help you stay competitive by reducing spend and simplifying rate comparisons across parcel shipping options.

USPS Ground Advantage rates by weight – July 2025

USPS Ground Advantage™ is the Postal Service’s all-in-one ground shipping service for domestic parcels, combining former First-Class Package Service, Retail Ground, and Parcel Select Ground. As of July 2025, this service continues to offer reliable 2–5 day delivery with transparent pricing based on weight and destination zone.

Ground Advantage rates are structured:

  • By the ounce for packages under 1 lb
  • By the pound for packages from 1 to 70 lbs

Packages must not exceed 130 inches in combined length and girth. Dimensional weight pricing still applies to packages over 1 cubic foot.

Every shipment includes:

  • USPS Tracking®
  • $100 in built-in insurance
  • Free package pickup

The chart below outlines updated July 2025 retail rates by weight and USPS zone. If available, PitneyShip® discounted rates may also be included to show potential savings.

USPS Ground Advantage – Retail Rates by Weight (July 2025)

USPS Ground Advantage – Retail Rates by Weight (July 2025)

Weight (oz/lb) Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
Up to 4 oz (0.25 lb) $4.16 $4.22 $4.24 $4.35 $4.41 $4.52 $4.60 $4.80 $4.85
5–8 oz (0.5 lb) $4.49 $4.58 $4.61 $4.69 $4.74 $4.80 $4.89 $5.02 $5.20
9–12 oz (0.75 lb) $5.19 $5.28 $5.34 $5.41 $5.51 $5.70 $5.83 $6.02 $6.24
13–15.999 oz (1 lb) $5.86 $5.87 $6.17 $6.30 $6.49 $6.64 $6.82 $7.10 $7.35
1lb $5.91 $5.91 $6.22 $6.36 $7.01 $7.96 $8.19

$8.71

$10.02
2 lb $6.14 $6.21 $6.34 $6.53 $7.67 $8.98 $9.31 $10.00 $11.50
3 lb $6.44 $6.51 $6.65 $7.16 $8.58 $10.08 $10.67 $11.71 $13.47
4 lb $7.28 $7.28 $7.47 $8.00 $9.27 $10.94 $11.70 $13.28 $15.27
5 lb $7.42 $7.42 $7.63 $8.20 $9.72 $11.49 $12.36 $13.92 $16.01
6 lb $7.67 $7.67 $7.91 $8.55 $10.30 $12.20 $13.22 $15.02 $17.27
7 lb $7.77 $7.77 $8.52 $9.04 $10.88 $12.75 $14.14 $15.79 $18.16
8 lb $8.13 $8.18 $9.25 $10.01 $11.51 $13.29 $15.08 $16.92 $19.46
9–10 lb $8.86–9.59 $8.89–9.61 $9.97–10.61 $10.99–11.63 $12.15–12.82 $14.44–15.47 $15.99–16.85 $18.09–19.49 $20.80–22.41
Up to 20 lb $9.59–13.25 $9.61–13.74 $10.61–14.51 $11.63–15.83 $12.82–18.37 $15.47–21.94 $16.85–25.10 $19.49–29.54 $22.41–33.97
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For parcels above 20 lb and Oversized packages, refer to the USPS 2025 Commercial Plus rate tables

If you're using PitneyShip®, you'll have access to discounted commercial rates that can further reduce your shipping spend.

USPS Priority Mail Rates by Weight – July 2025

USPS Priority Mail® provides delivery in 1–3 business days within the Continental U.S., making it a fast, reliable option for small to medium-size packages. Rates for Priority Mail start at $9.75 for a 1 lb. package and are based on zone and weight.

Unlike USPS Ground Advantage™, Priority Mail® is best suited for packages that require quick delivery, but it comes with additional fees for larger or heavier packages. Here are the surcharges for 2025:

  • +$4.00 for parcels 22–30 inches in length
  • +$15.00 for parcels over 30 inches in length
  • +$25.00 for parcels exceeding 2 cubic feet

In addition, dimensional weight pricing applies for parcels over 1 cubic foot, meaning packages that are large but lightweight may incur higher costs. Rates are zone-based, so costs increase with distance and package weight.

Priority Mail® remains an excellent choice for quick shipping, particularly for small to medium packages that don’t exceed weight and size limits.

USPS Ground Advantage – Retail Rates by Weight (July 13, 2025)

Weight Tier

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

0 oz – 4 oz

$4.16

$4.22

$4.24

$4.35

$4.41

$4.52

$4.60

$4.80

$4.85

5 oz – 8 oz

$4.49

$4.58

$4.61

$4.69

$4.74

$4.80

$4.89

$5.02

$5.20

9 oz – 12 oz

$5.19

$5.28

$5.34

$5.41

$5.51

$5.70

$5.83

$6.02

$6.24

13 oz – 15.999 oz

$5.86

$5.87

$6.17

$6.30

$6.49

$6.64

$6.82

$7.10

$7.35

 

Weight Tier (lbs)

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

1 lb

$8.86

$8.89

$9.97

$10.99

$12.15

$14.44

$15.99

$18.09

$20.80

2 lb

$9.59

$9.61

$10.61

$11.63

$12.82

$15.47

$16.85

$19.49

$22.41

3 lb

$10.27

$10.42

$11.27

$12.23

$13.46

$16.19

$17.78

$20.45

$23.52

4 lb

$10.86

$11.15

$11.78

$12.79

$14.09

$16.37

$18.68

$21.58

$24.82

5 lb

$11.39

$11.66

$12.28

$13.31

$14.70

$17.13

$19.58

$22.71

$26.12

6 lb

$11.86

$12.13

$12.73

$13.79

$15.28

$17.92

$20.50

$23.85

$27.43

7 lb

$12.26

$12.50

$13.13

$14.23

$15.84

$18.69

$21.39

$24.96

$28.70

8 lb

$12.59

$12.81

$13.47

$14.44

$16.39

$19.44

$22.26

$26.05

$29.96

9 lb

$12.86

$13.11

$13.81

$14.83

$16.91

$19.96

$22.90

$26.87

$30.90

10 lb

$13.05

$13.25

$14.18

$15.25

$17.42

$20.56

$23.62

$27.79

$31.96

11 lb

$13.19

$13.54

$14.34

$15.59

$17.91

$21.15

$24.32

$28.68

$32.98

12 lb

$13.25

$13.74

$14.51

$15.83

$18.37

$21.94

$25.10

$29.54

$33.97

USPS Priority Mail Express rates by weight – July 2025

USPS Priority Mail Express® is the fastest USPS shipping service, offering overnight or 1–2 day delivery across most U.S. locations. As of July 2025, it continues to include a money-back guarantee for on-time delivery, making it the preferred option for urgent shipments. While it remains more expensive than Priority Mail® and USPS Ground Advantage™, it can still be a cost-effective solution compared to many private carriers for time-critical deliveries.

Priority Mail Express supports envelopes, tubes, and packages up to 70 lbs., with the same dimensional weight pricing rules and surcharges that apply to Priority Mail:

  • +$4.00 for parcels 22–30" in length
  • +$15.00 for parcels over 30" in length
  • +$25.00 for parcels exceeding 2 cubic feet

Below is the updated USPS Priority Mail Express – Retail Rates by Weight and Zone (July 2025), including flat rate envelope options.

Flat Rate Options

Price

Flat Rate Envelope

$28.75

Legal Flat Rate Envelope

$28.95

Padded Flat Rate Envelope

$29.45

 

Weight (lb)

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

0.5 lb

$28.75

$28.95

$29.05

$31.20

$35.50

$38.15

$40.70

$43.70

$56.00

1 lb

$29.20

$29.90

$31.55

$35.80

$42.40

$45.90

$48.75

$51.65

$66.30

2 lb

$29.70

$30.90

$34.10

$40.40

$49.30

$53.65

$56.80

$59.65

$76.60

3 lb

$30.15

$31.85

$36.60

$45.00

$56.20

$61.40

$64.85

$67.60

$86.95

4 lb

$30.65

$32.85

$39.15

$49.60

$63.10

$69.15

$72.90

$75.60

$97.25

5 lb

$31.10

$33.80

$41.65

$54.20

$70.00

$76.90

$80.95

$83.55

$107.55

10 lb

$46.80

$50.70

$62.10

$83.95

$104.25

$112.30

$119.20

$122.90

$158.55

20 lb

$69.30

$79.15

$108.45

$131.05

$150.55

$156.45

$165.65

$171.70

$221.95

50 lb

$149.10

$176.90

$260.25

$300.55

$338.75

$350.35

$366.00

$382.00

$494.15

70 lb

$206.65

$245.20

$360.75

$417.30

$465.85

$486.45

$504.85

$530.50

$688.20

Note: Dimensional weight pricing and applicable surcharges apply. Rates shown are USPS Retail prices as of July 2025.

Looking to lower your shipping and fulfillment costs?

No matter which carrier you use, there are smarter ways to keep shipping costs and fulfillment costs under control. PitneyShip® shipping software gives you an easy, all-in-one platform to compare shipping options, print shipping labels, and access exclusive USPS discounts and UPS discounts—helping you avoid hidden surcharges and budget surprises. You can even set spending rules and gain full visibility into your shipping activity.

For ecommerce businesses, ShipAccel™ adds the power of ecommerce fulfillment software to streamline order routing, packing, and carrier selection—helping you work faster while keeping costs down.

Whether you’re mailing documents, shipping packages, or managing a high-volume online store, combining PitneyShip for rate comparison with ShipAccel for operational efficiency is a proven way to save money and work smarter.