USPS Holiday Shipping Rates Increase October 4th (Compare UPS & FedEx Before You Ship!)

Check out the USPS Holiday Shipping Increases and remember to compare to UPS and FedEx before you ship!

The holiday shipping rush is almost here, and the U.S. Postal Service is temporarily raising prices on some package services for the season.

Starting October 4th, the U.S. Postal Service will add temporary peak-season increases to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.

No other USPS products or services are affected by this temporary holiday adjustment.

Depending on the package’s weight, shipping zone, and service, retail customers will pay anywhere from 50¢ to as much as $20.80 more during the holiday period.

Here are the 2026 temporary USPS retail price increases…

Note that increases vary based on weight and shipping zone. Shipping zones are based on the distance between the package’s origin and destination.

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 1-4

• +$0.50 for packages weighing 0-3 lbs.
• +$0.80 for packages weighing 4-10 lbs.
• +$1.25 for packages weighing 11-25 lbs.
• +$3.90 for packages weighing 26-70 lbs. and oversized packages

Priority Mail: Zones 5-9

• +$1 for packages weighing 0-3 lbs.
• +$2.10 for packages weighing 4-10 lbs.
• +$4.30 for packages weighing 11-25 lbs.
• +$9.10 for packages weighing 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Flat Rate

• +$2.10 for Large Flat Rate Boxes
• +$1 for all other Priority Mail Flat Rate products

USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 5-9

• +$0.75 for packages weighing 0-3 lbs.
• +$1.40 for packages weighing 4-10 lbs.
• +$2.75 for packages weighing 11-25 lbs.
• +$7.50 for packages weighing 26-70 lbs. and oversized packages

Priority Mail Express: Zones 1-9

• +$1.40 for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
• +$2.35 for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• +$2.45 for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
• +$6.30 for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• +$5.05 for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
• +$11.70 for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• +$12.70 for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
• +$20.80 for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate

• +$2.35 for Flat Rate Envelopes

Commercial USPS rates are temporarily increasing as well. You can find the complete 2026 holiday pricing details through the USPS Postal Explorer.

So, should you compare USPS, UPS, and FedEx before shipping?

Definitely! With the temporary USPS increases in effect during the busiest gift-sending months of the year, it’s worth comparing your options before buying postage.

The cheapest carrier can change depending on your package’s weight, dimensions, destination, and how quickly you need it to arrive. A small, lightweight package may have a very different winner than a large or heavy box, so don’t assume the carrier you normally use will automatically have the lowest price.

If your item fits in a USPS Flat Rate box, that’s also worth comparing since you’ll pay the same base postage regardless of the package’s weight up to the applicable limit. Just remember that Priority Mail Flat Rate prices are also getting the temporary holiday increase this year.

A few ways to save on holiday shipping…

• Compare rates before you ship. Check USPS, UPS, and FedEx using the exact weight, dimensions, destination, and delivery speed you need.
• Measure your box before choosing a carrier. Larger packages can be subject to dimensional-weight pricing even when they aren’t particularly heavy.
• Check Flat Rate options. They may be helpful for heavier items that fit inside the carrier’s designated packaging.
• Buy postage online when it saves money. Depending on the carrier and service, online or commercial rates may be lower than retail counter prices.
• Ship early when possible. Giving yourself extra time may let you choose a slower, less expensive service instead of paying for expedited delivery.

And remember, the USPS holiday increases are temporary. The seasonal rates are scheduled to end January 17th, 2027.

Need something to send? Check out all of our latest gift ideas!