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The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary increase in package shipping rates, which will be in effect from October 5, 2025, to January 18, 2026, coinciding with the year's peak activity season.
The affected services will be Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select, for both retail and commercial account shipments. The rates for letters, postcards, and stamps will remain unchanged.
The measure is part of the operational plan "Delivering for America," through which USPS aims to maintain service six days a week across the country, covering the additional costs of transportation and handling during the holiday months.
The adjustment was approved by the USPS management and reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
How much will shipping prices increase for packages?
The increase will depend on the size, weight, and destination of the package. For instance, a small package may cost an additional 40 to 90 cents. However, large or long-distance shipments could see an increase of between 5 and 16 dollars. The detailed rates can be found in a recent article from USPS.
To avoid delays and extra costs, USPS recommends planning shipments ahead of these deadlines. In this regard, they emphasize that within the U.S.:
- Ground Advantage / First-Class (packages): until December 17
- Priority Mail: until December 18
- Priority Mail Express: until December 20th
In the case of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other territories, Ground Advantage will be available until December 16. For international or military shipments, USPS will publish the dates by country at the beginning of November.
Tips for saving on your holiday package shipping
- Send your package in advance
- Compare services and remember that Ground Advantage is cheaper, although slower.
- Use Flat Rate boxes, which are an economical option for small and heavy packages.
- Reduce the weight and size of your packages.
- Check postal office hours so you won't be affected by closures on holidays.
Cubans residing in South Florida who regularly send packages to family or friends in other areas of the United States should keep these price adjustments in mind during the holiday season. This way, they can better plan their shipments and avoid additional expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about USPS Rate Increases during the Holiday Season
Why does USPS raise shipping rates for packages during the holiday season?
USPS increases package shipping rates to cover additional transportation and handling costs during the holiday months, a measure that is part of its operational plan "Delivering for America". This adjustment aims to ensure the continuity of service six days a week nationwide.
Which USPS services are affected by the rate increase?
The services affected by the rate increase are Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. This price adjustment is temporary and will apply to both counter shipments and commercial accounts.
What is the range of increase in USPS package shipping rates during the holiday season?
The increase in USPS shipping rates will depend on the size, weight, and destination of the package. For example, a small package could cost between 40 and 90 cents more, while large or long-distance shipments could increase by between 5 and 16 dollars.
How can USPS users avoid extra costs during the holiday season?
To avoid additional costs, USPS recommends planning shipments in advance. Additionally, it is suggested to compare services, use Flat Rate boxes for small and heavy packages, and reduce the weight and size of shipments. It is also important to check postal office hours to avoid closures on holidays.
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