Updated as of 2/23/2026. The United States Postal Service (USPS®) adjusts postage rates at least once a year, and sometimes more frequently. These changes can have an impact on your mailing and shipping costs, which is why we’re committed to keeping you informed so you can manage your expenses effectively.
Rate changes are regular adjustments to shipping and mailing prices, implemented by the carrier in response to factors such as fuel cost fluctuations, inflation, and operational enhancements. These adjustments, often referred to as rate changes or rate adjustments, are designed to keep carriers competitive, maintain their financial stability, and ensure they continue providing reliable services to customers.
The USPS is adjusting its list of rural ZIP Codes that incur variable shipping prices based on destination, effective February 23, 2026. This updated list is smaller than the previous one from September 2024, containing 20 fewer ZIP Codes due to a combination of removals and additions. For information on whether a specific ZIP Code is impacted by this change, please reach out to our support team.
USPS has filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for new shipping rates, effective January 18, 2026. These adjustments primarily affect competitive package services, which are critical for high-volume shippers.
| Mail Class | Average Increase (Approx.) |
| Ground Advantage™ | Up ~7.8% |
| Priority Mail® | Up ~6.6% |
| Priority Mail Express® | Up ~5.1% |
| Parcel Select | Up ~6.0% |
Heads up! These USPS rate changes also affect the rates you get through Stamps.com. Check out the details below.
USPS rate increases are an inevitable cost of doing business, but they don’t have to cut into your profit margin. Stamps.com offers competitive rates for our customers through our 30-year partnership with USPS.
The Stamps.com advantage:
Your business thrives on efficiency and delivering an excellent client experience. Beyond rate discounts, Stamps.com makes everything about mailing and shipping—from address verification to package pickups—more convenient so you can spend more time running your business.
For over three decades, Stamps.com has been the market leader, making mailing and shipping easy for small businesses across the nation. Millions of Americans rely on our technology to access every mail class and shipping service available online, 24/7. As the shipping landscape evolves, Stamps.com remains committed to providing the stability, trust, and cost-saving tools your business needs to succeed.
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