USPS Announces Temporary Holiday Shipping Surcharges for 2025

Which Services Are Affected?

• Priority Mail Express (PME) – Average 4.1% Increase
• Priority Mail (PM) – Average 4.1% Increase
• USPS Ground Advantage – Average 5.1% Increase
• Parcel Select (commercial)

No other USPS products or services are impacted during this period.

Effective Dates

Start: October 5, 2025 (12:00 a.m. Central)

End: January 18, 2026 (12:00 a.m. Central)

Retail Surcharge Highlights

Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1–4)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.40
• 4–10 lbs: +$0.60
• 11–25 lbs: +$0.95
• 26–70 lbs: +$3.00

Priority Mail (Zones 5–9)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.90
• 4–10 lbs: +$1.45
• 11–25 lbs: +$3.25
• 26–70 lbs: +$7.00

USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 5–9)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.50
• 4–10 lbs: +$1.00
• 11–25 lbs: +$2.00
• 26–70 lbs: +$5.75

Priority Mail Flat Rate

• Large Flat Rate Box: +$1.45
• All other Flat Rate products: +$0.90

Priority Mail Express (PME)

• Zones 1–4, 0–3 lbs: +$1.10
• Zones 5–9, 0–3 lbs: +$2.00
• Zones 1–4, 4–10 lbs: +$2.00
• Zones 5–9, 4–10 lbs: +$4.85
• Zones 1–4, 11–25 lbs: +$3.90
• Zones 5–9, 11–25 lbs: +$9.00
• Zones 1–4, 26–70 lbs: +$9.75
• Zones 5–9, 26–70 lbs: +$16.00

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate

• Flat Rate Envelopes: +$2.00

Commercial Surcharge Highlights

Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 1–4) and Parcel Select (all entries)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.30
• 4–10 lbs: +$0.45
• 11–25 lbs: +$0.75
• 26–70 lbs: +$3.00

Priority Mail (Zones 5–9)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.70
• 4–10 lbs: +$1.25
• 11–25 lbs: +$2.75
• 26–70 lbs: +$6.50

Priority Mail Flat Rate

• Large Flat Rate Box: +$1.25
• All other Flat Rate products: +$0.70

USPS Ground Advantage (Zones 5–9)

• 0–3 lbs: +$0.35
• 4–10 lbs: +$0.75
• 11–25 lbs: +$1.25
• 26–70 lbs: +$5.50

Priority Mail Express (PME)

• Zones 1–4, 0–3 lbs: +$1.00
• Zones 5–9, 0–3 lbs: +$1.75
• Zones 1–4, 4–10 lbs: +$1.50
• Zones 5–9, 4–10 lbs: +$3.95
• Zones 1–4, 11–25 lbs: +$3.50
• Zones 5–9, 11–25 lbs: +$7.50
• Zones 1–4, 26–70 lbs: +$8.95
• Zones 5–9, 26–70 lbs: +$13.00

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate

• Flat Rate Envelopes: +$1.75

Why USPS Uses a Peak-Season Surcharge

USPS says these temporary adjustments help cover extra handling and ensure network performance during the busiest shipping period of the year.
The move aligns with broader competitive practices and supports the Postal Service’s Delivering for America 10-year plan to maintain reliable, nationwide service.

Source

Official press release:
U.S. Postal Service Announces Temporary Price Change for 2025 Holiday Shipping Season (Aug. 8, 2025)

USPS Delivering to America Vision