USPS Announced a General Rate Increase for 2026

Every fall, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announces a general rate increase for the following year, which takes effect in January. The 2026 General Rate Increase was announced on November 14, 2025, and is expected to take effect on January 18, 2026.

The USPS raises prices across many of its services once a year to cover rising costs (labor, fuel, and operations) and improve financial sustainability. Prices for shipping services (packages) usually increase based on market conditions to remain competitive. Meanwhile, price increases for mailing services (letters and postcards) align with inflation and are based on the consumer price index.

Before taking effect, the General Rate Increase must be reviewed and approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), an independent regulatory agency that oversees the USPS. The USPS typically files notice of the General Rate Increase with the PRC in the fall and announces the proposed price adjustments thereafter. If approved by the PRC, the new prices take effect in January.

On November 14, 2025, the USPS announced its new prices for 2026. There will be no increase in mailing service prices, meaning the price of First-Class mail stamps will remain the same. However, a mid-year price increase for First-Class Mail postage is still possible.

Prices for shipping services will be raised. The price increase will be approximately 7.8% for USPS Ground Advantage, 6.0% for Parcel Select, 6.6% for Priority Mail, and 5.1% for Priority Mail Express.