USPS® Shipping and Mailing Price Changes
Mailing Services (Market Dominant)
USPS® mailing rates as of July 13, 2025
The latest USPS mailing services price changes will took effect on July 13, 2025. The new rates included a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class® Mail Forever stamp from 73¢ to 78¢. On average, the changes raise mailing services prices 7.4%. Special services products will also be affected by the new rates.
The USPS has announced that there will be no mailing price increase in January 2026.
USPS Mail Rates
First-Class Mail
| Product |
Current Price |
||
| 1oz. Letter | $0.78 | ||
| 1 oz. Letter (metered) | $0.74 | ||
| Postcards | $0.61 | ||
| Additional Oz. Letters | $0.29 | ||
| International letter (1 oz.) | $1.70 |
Certified Mail
| Extra Services | Current Price | ||
| Certified Mail | $5.30 | ||
| Return Receipt Retail | $4.40 | ||
| Return Receipt Electronic | $2.82 |
Marketing Mail
| Commercial Automation | Current Price | |||
| Mixed AADC | $0.433 | |||
| AADC | $0.407 | |||
| 5-Digit | $0.372 | |||
| Nonprofit Automation | Current Price |
|||
| Mixed AADC | $0.239 | |||
| AADC | $0.213 | |||
| 5-Digit | $0.178 |
Our PitneyShip software delivers a better way to send, track, and manage your Certified Mail, while saving you $1.58* on every piece – with no volume requirements. Learn more here.
Shipping Services (USPS Competitive Products)
New rates announced for Retail and Commercial shipping services proposed for January 18, 2026.
The USPS has announced changes to its Shipping Services (Competitive Products) that if approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), will go into effect January 18, 2026.
The updated price files can be found here: January 2026 Price Change | Postal Explorer
Here is a summary of the average increases (increases vary across weight breaks and zones):
- Priority Mail® prices increase an average of 6.6%
- Priority Mail Express prices increase an average of 5.1%
- Ground Advantage™ prices increase an average of 7.8%
- Parcel Select prices increase an average of 6.0%
In addition, the following classification changes are proposed:
- The Postal Service plans to revise International Mail Country Price Group assignments for several countries (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion).
- The PRC recently approved a USPS proposal to eliminate Registered Mail for some of its outbound International Services (First-Class Package International Service, GEPS/GREPS). It remains for international letters. The effective date for this change is January 1, 2026.
- This current filing also proposes revisions to content restrictions for International Direct Sacks–Airmail M-Bags (M-Bags) – USPS would restrict the contents to solely printed matter.
- Also in this current filing, the Postal Service is introducing a USPS Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Ancillary Service, a new competitive ancillary service fee that involves the prepayment by the mailer of any applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees at the time of mailing, as opposed to such charges being due upon delivery (does not include the duties, taxes, etc.). As described in the filing, the fee is initially set to $0, but may be revised as customs requirements evolve.
Pitney Bowes clients will continue to see the best rates on the market with a savings of up to 88% through the USPS Connect Ecommerce (CeC) program. Our software solutions take the guess work out of rates and presents you with the best possible USPS rate for every package you send. And don't forget, USPS does not add any surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday delivery.
Check out our rate calculator below to see if your package qualifies for certain rates.
USPS Priority Mail
Priority Mail (1-3 day delivery)
On average, Priority Mail prices are increasing an average of 6.6%. This is a very broad average with actual percentage changes being very complex and varying based on zone and weight. For the most part, prices are going up. PitneyShip reduces the complexity of the Priority Mail price changes and helps make sure you are getting the best price or every piece you send.
Package Details |
|
Current |
January 18, 2026 |
January 18, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat Rate Envelope |
|
$11.00 |
$11.95 |
$10.30 |
Small Flat Rate Box |
|
$11.70 |
$12.65 |
$11.20 |
Medium Flat Rate Box |
$21.05 |
$22.95 |
$19.60 |
|
Large Flat Rate Box |
|
$29.95 |
$31.50 |
$28.70 |
APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box |
|
$28.70 |
$30.15 |
$27.40 |
1lb Package to Zone 1 |
|
$10.05 |
$10.20 |
$8.37 |
2lb Package to Zone 1 |
|
$10.50 |
$11.05 |
$8.43 |
5lb Package to Zone 1 |
|
$12.60 |
$13.25 |
$10.55 |
Priority Mail Cubic
Priority Mail Cubic pricing is based on the dimensions of your package, rather than the weight. It’s a service not available at the Post Office, and offers shippers an inexpensive, fast way to ship their small packages (0.5 cubic feet or less) that weight up to 20lbs. Like all Priority Mail services, you can still expect a 1-3 business day delivery. Cubic pricing also includes $100 of insurance at no extra cost.
Package Details |
|
Current |
January 18, 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0.20 Cubic Ft, Zone 3 |
|
$8.71 |
$9.06 |
|
0.30 Cubic Ft, Zone 1 |
|
$8.43 |
$8.75 |
|
0.50 Cubic Ft, Zone 4 |
|
$13.83 |
$14.91 |
|
Priority Mail Express
If speed is what you need, then Priority Mail Express could be the right choice. It’s an overnight service delivery even on Saturdays. Prices are increasing an average of 5.1%. There are no cubic price options for Priority Mail Express, but the USPS does offer Flat Rate packaging and prices.
Package Details |
|
Current |
2026 |
2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat Rate Envelope |
|
$31.40 |
$33.25 |
$28.80 |
|
Legal Flat Rate Envelope |
|
$31.65 |
$33.50 |
$29.10 |
|
Padded Flat Rate Envelope |
|
$32.25 |
$34.15 |
$29.35 |
|
1lb Package to Zone 1 |
|
$31.95 |
$33.25 |
$29.25 |
USPS Ground Advantage
USPS Ground Advantage™ Service
Most Ground Advantage rates are increasing an average of 7.8%, but like Priority Mail, the price changes are complex and depend on zone and weight of the package. Ground Advantage replaced First-Class Package Service category with USPS Ground Advantage. The service also incorporated USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select® Ground. USPS Ground Advantage features 2-5 day delivery for packages up to 70 pounds and includes ounce-based pricing up to 15.999oz. Certified Mail is not an option as an extra service for these items. If you require a signature, Ground Advantage with Signature Confirmation is the recommended alternative. If your package requires Certified Mail, then you must use Priority Mail.
Package Details |
|
Current |
January 18, 2026 |
January 18, 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 oz., Zone 1 |
|
$7.10 |
$7.30 |
$5.58 |
|
12 oz., Zone 1 |
|
$8.15 |
$8.85 |
$5.70 |
|
1lb, Zone 1 |
|
$8.70 |
$8.85 |
$7.05 |
|
2lbs, Zone 1 |
|
$9.45 |
$10.00 |
$7.40 |
|
5lbs, Zone 1 |
|
$11.35 |
$12.00 |
$8.98 |
USPS Ground Advantage Cubic Rates
Like Priority Mail Cubic rates, Ground Advantage Cubic pricing is based on the dimensions of your package, rather than the weight. Ground Advantage differs in that packages can be up to a full cubic foot. Ground Advantage Cubic offers competitive pricing for packages up to 20lbs with a 2-5 delivery service.
Package Details |
|
Current |
January 18, 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0.30 Cubic Ft, Zone 3 |
|
$7.51 |
$8.16 |
|
0.50 Cubic Ft, Zone 1 |
|
$8.49 |
$8.88 |
|
0.90 Cubic Ft, Zone 4 |
|
$12.44 |
$12.44 |
|
Package Cubic Rate Calculator
Fill in your package dimensions below to find out if it qualifies for cubic pricing.
2025 Holiday Season Peak Surcharges
Holiday Shipping Deadlines
USPS Ground Advantage® Service: Wednesday, December 17
USPS First-Class Mail® Service: Wednesday, December 17
USPS Priority Mail® Service: Thursday, December 18
USPS Priority Mail Express® Service Saturday, December 20
|
|
2025 Holiday |
2025 Holiday |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zones 1-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$0.40 |
$0.30 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$0.60 |
$0.45 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$0.95 |
$0.75 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$3.00 |
$3.00 | ||
Zones 5-9 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$0.90 |
$0.70 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$1.45 |
$1.25 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$3.25 |
$2.75 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$7.00 |
$6.50 |
|
|
Flat Rate Products |
|
|
|
|
|
Large Flat Rate Boxes |
|
$1.45 |
$1.25 |
|
|
All other Flat Rate Products |
|
$0.90 |
$0.70 |
|
|
|
2025 Holiday |
2025 Holiday |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zones 1-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$0.40 |
$0.30 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$0.60 |
$0.45 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$0.95 |
$0.75 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$3.00 |
$3.00 | ||
Zones 5-9 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$0.50 |
$0.35 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$1.00 |
$0.75 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$2.00 |
$1.25 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$5.75 |
$5.50 |
|
|
|
2025 Holiday |
2025 Holiday |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zones 1-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$1.10 |
$1.00 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$2.00 |
$1.50 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$3.90 |
$3.50 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$9.75 |
$8.95 | ||
Zones 5-9 |
|
|
|
|
|
0-3 lbs. |
|
$2.00 |
$1.75 |
|
|
4-10 lbs. |
|
$4.85 |
$3.95 |
|
|
11-25 lbs. |
|
$9.00 |
$7.50 |
|
|
26-70 lbs. |
|
$16.00 |
$13.00 |
|
|
Flat Rate Products |
|
|
|
|
|
Flat Rate Envelopes |
|
$2.00 |
$1.75 |
Shipping and Mailing Blogs
Priority Mail® is shipping, not mailing
When it comes to sending packages, the terms "mailing" and "shipping" are often used interchangeably. However, there's a crucial distinction between the two, especially when it comes to services like Priority Mail offered by the USPS®.
Friends don't let friends print meter tape to ship
Efficiency and cost savings are paramount for companies and individuals alike. When it comes to shipping, choosing the most economical method can regularly make a significant difference. Here, we explore why printing a shipping label is often cheaper and more advantageous than using meter tape.
HAZMAT Updates for Military and PTFAS Shipments
Effective January 19, 2025, USPS is requiring that all packages destined to and from Military and Possessions/Territories/Freely Associated States (PTFAS), except for Puerto Rico (PR), must follow international Dangerous Goods rules. Domestic HAZMAT rules should never have been applied for these shipments.
Although military and PTFAS are defined as domestic mail and use domestic shipping labels, they must follow international rules when it comes to hazardous materials content.
Currently GCS does not allow HazMat shipments to/from Military addresses.
GCS will allow only these three HAZMAT_TYPE values with shipments to and from PTFAS addresses (does not include PR):
- Class 7 Radioactive Materials
- Class 9 Lithium Battery Unmarked
- Div 6.2 Biological Materials