USPS will charge up to $16 more per package this holiday season. Here’s when the temporary price changes will start
Key Takeaways
Shipping presents this holiday season is going to cost more.
Article Overview
Quick insights and key information
3 min read
Estimated completion
business news
Article classification
August 11, 2025
04:00 PM
Fortune
Original publisher
Postal Service (USPS)USPS will charge up to $16 more per package this holiday season
Here’s when the temporary price changes will startBy Chris MorrisBy Chris MorrisContributing WriterChris MorrisContributing WriterChris Morris is a contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general news to the game and theme park industries.SEE FULL BIO If you want to avoid the USPS's new fees, you'll need to ship gifts by the end of September.Paul Weaver / SOPA Images / LightRocket—Getty ImagesThe USPS will once again hike prices during the holidays
The increased prices will begin on Oct. 5 and run through Jan 18
First-class postage won’t be affected, but anyone planning to send packages during the holiday season should be prepared to pay more
It’s not just tariffs and inflation that will be driving the cost of the holidays up this year
Postal Service says it will once again add surcharges onto packages shipped between Oct. 5 and Jan. 18 to help offset higher shipping costs
That will mean you can expect to pay anywhere from an extra 30 cents to an extra $16, depending on the size of the package and the distance is needs to travel
The extra charges will apply to both individuals and corporations
The USPS has rolled out the surcharges for at least the last five years (and at least six for commercial customers)
The increased prices will only apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select service
The higher rates must first be apved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, but that’s expected to be a largely ceremonial apval. “These temporary changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission — viding a nationwide, integrated network for the dery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term,” the USPS said in a statement
Retail customers can expect to pay between 40 cents and $3 more for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage packages for Zones 1-4 (destinations that are closer to the shipping location)
For farther destinations, the increase on Priority Mail will range from 90 cents (for packages that are 0-3 lbs) to $7 (for those between 26-70 lbs.) Ground advantage for longer trips will cost between 50 cents and $5.75
Priority Mail Flat Rate will see an increase of $1.45 for large flat-rate boxes, while others will cost 90 cents more
The Priority Mail express flat rate will jump $2 for envelopes
And customers who use Priority Mail Express can expect to spend between $1.10 and $16 more, depending on package size and the distance it will need to travel
Introducing the 2025 Fortune Global 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in the world
Explore this year's list.
Related Articles
More insights from FinancialBooklet