It might seem early to be thinking about holiday shopping and shipping, but the U.S. Postal Service is already gearing up for a busy holiday season. A price hike that kicks in next week is part of those preparations.
In an August press release, the independent federal agency announced temporary peak season pricing would affect Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select this year. It said temporary rates would go into effect at midnight CT on Oct. 5 and remain in place until midnight CT on Jan. 18 of next year.
When the press release was published, approval of the rate increases was pending. People magazine reported this week that as USPS spokesperson confirmed that the Postal Regulatory Commission confirmed the rate changes.
“As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, these temporary changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission – providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week – in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended,” said the USPS in August.
Price increases range from $0.30 to $16, depending on package type. A full list is available here.
Last month, the postal service also announced recommended mailing and shipping dates for mail and packages for the 2025 holiday season. These are the dates people should send packages by to ensure they are delivered by Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and they range from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20. A list is available here.
“During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25,” said the USPS.
With a surge of packages being sent across the country, the 234,000 delivery routes handled by the USPS can get a bit clogged during the holiday season. Audacy previously reported that the USPS delivered approximately 11.7 billion packages during holiday season 2022.
Shipping packages might be a little pricier during the holidays, but next year should offer some pricing relief at the post office. Last week, the USPS announced that Postmaster General David Steiner recommended not raising prices in January 2026 “for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class Mail,” and his recommendation was accepted.
Other pieces of holiday preparation announced last month include the launch of USPS Operation Santa for 2025 and new holiday stamps. Through the 113-year-old Operation Santa program, children and families across the country send letters to Santa Claus and this year letters must be sent by Dec. 6. This year’s Holiday Cheer Stamps, designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes and created by Denise Fiedler, include four designs featuring “classic illustrations that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.”