Monthly Archives: January 2026

New USPS Flat Rate Prices for 2026 – Postage Changes for Flat Rate Loyalists

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USPS flat rate shipping breaks from its usual price hike pattern in 2026. For the first time in years, some flat rate envelope prices will actually drop by up to $0.20, even as Priority Mail services overall increase by approximately 6.6%. The changes take effect January 18, 2026, creating a mix of price adjustments that makes some popular shipping options more affordable.

The Postal Service approved specific decreases alongside broader increases. Flat Rate Envelopes will drop by $0.20, while Padded and Legal Flat Rate Envelopes will decrease by $0.10 each. Most weight-based Priority Mail rates will increase by up to 13%. Priority Mail Express prices will rise by an average of 5.1%, and Ground Advantage services will see a 7.8% increase. First-Class Mail stamp prices remain unchanged for this price update. The Postal Service frames these targeted changes as part of its ongoing plan to restore long-term financial sustainability.

For anyone who hasn’t revisited the basics in a while: flat rate means you pay one price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or distance. A Small Flat Rate Box shipped from Miami to Anchorage costs the same as one sent across town. That simplicity is the whole selling point. No scale, no zone chart, no surprises. You grab the free packaging from USPS, stuff it full, and the price is the price. USPS Flat Rate pricing is tied to the packaging type (Envelope vs. Box, Small vs. Medium vs. Large). That means the fastest way to overspend is picking a bigger Flat Rate container than you need, or using Flat Rate when a lightweight shipment would be cheaper by weight (especially nearby).

USPS announces 2026 flat rate price changes

The Postal Service officially filed for new shipping rates starting January 18, 2026. The USPS Board of Governors approved these adjustments to maintain competitiveness.

Flat rate customers face mostly increases across popular shipping options. The Flat Rate Envelope jumps to $11.95 from $11.00, while the Small Flat Rate Box rises to $12.65 from $11.70. The Medium Flat Rate Box increases to $22.95 from $21.05. Large Flat Rate Boxes will cost $31.50, up from $29.95. Military APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Boxes see a smaller increase to $30.15.

Commercial customers continue receiving discounted rates compared to retail prices. A Flat Rate Envelope costs $10.30 for businesses versus the $11.95 retail rate.

These adjustments align with broader shipping rate increases across USPS services. Priority Mail averages a 6.6% increase, Priority Mail Express rises 5.1%, and USPS Ground Advantage climbs 7.8%. Parcel Select prices rise approximately 6.0%.

First-Class Mail stamps remain unaffected with no price increase.

USPS adjusts flat rate box and envelope prices

Flat rate shipping packages face varied price adjustments starting January 18, 2026. These changes affect how frequent flat rate users plan their shipping costs across different package types.

Priority Flat Rate Envelopes Increase by $1

Before the new pricing, a quick refresher on what fits where: the standard Flat Rate Envelope measures 12½” x 9½” and works for thin items like documents, contracts, photos, and soft goods like t-shirts. The Legal Flat Rate Envelope runs 15″ x 9½”, giving you extra room for legal-size documents and oversized paperwork. The Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12½” x 9½”) adds built-in cushioning for small electronics, jewelry, or anything that needs a little protection in transit. The Window Flat Rate Envelope continues serving pre-addressed mailings. All four must close and seal completely… no bulging, no tape-assisted miracles. If it doesn’t close cleanly, you need a box.

Across the board, Flat Rate Envelope pricing increased by about $1 for all products. Flat Rate Envelopes now cost $11.95 at post offices, up from $11.00. Legal Flat Rate Envelopes increase to $12.25, and Padded Flat Rate Envelopes jump to $12.95. Commercial customers pay substantially less, with standard envelopes at $10.30, legal envelopes at $10.80, and padded options at $11.10.

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes — 2025 vs. 2026 Retail Prices

Packaging Type2025 Price2026 PriceChange
Flat Rate Envelope$11.00$11.95+$0.95
Legal Flat Rate Envelope$11.20$12.25+$1.05
Padded Flat Rate Envelope$11.95$12.95+$1.00

Priority Flat Rate Boxes Increase by $1-2

Small Flat Rate Boxes now cost $12.65 at retail locations, up from $11.70. Medium Flat Rate Boxes see a larger jump to $22.95 (previously $21.05), regardless of whether customers choose the top-loading or side-loading version.

Large Flat Rate Boxes reach $31.50 (up from $29.95), though military APO/FPO/DPO shipments receive a discounted rate of $30.15. Business customers benefit from significant savings across all box sizes, with commercial prices set at $11.20 for small, $19.60 for medium, and $28.70 for large boxes.

Packaging Type2025 Price2026 PriceChange
Small Flat Rate Box$11.70$12.65+$0.95
Medium Flat Rate Box$21.05$22.95+$1.90
Large Flat Rate Box$29.95$31.50+$1.55
APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box$28.70$30.15+$1.45

Here’s the size breakdown worth bookmarking: the Small Flat Rate Box (8⅝” x 5⅜” x 1⅝”) is ideal for small, dense items like phone accessories, cosmetics, or small tools/hardware. The Medium Flat Rate Box comes in two versions: a top-loading option (11¼” x 8¾” x 6″) and a side-loading version (14″ x 12″ x 3½”) that’s perfect for books, framed prints, subscription kits or flat merchandise. The Large Flat Rate Box (12¼” x 12¼” x 6″) are the “ship a lot, ship it once” workhorse when you’re packing multiple items securely.

All flat rate products maintain their key advantage, shipping packages up to 70 lbs anywhere in the US for one predictable price.

Priority Mail Express Decreases Overnight Pricing

Priority Mail Express flat rate services will see price decreases in 2026, a rare occurrence in postal pricing, but only if you have access to commercial rates. This marks a notable exception to the overall trend of postal rate hikes as the USPS fights off FedEx and UPS.

Priority Mail Express for ordinary people as a whole will see an average increase of 5.1% despite these commercial decreases. The 2026 retail price for a standard flat rate envelope will be $33.25, while commercial customers will pay just $28.80. The legal flat rate envelope will cost $33.50 retail but only $29.10 for commercial shippers. Given the significant savings, it’s worth noting: Any business using a USPS-compatible shipping platform (Stamps.com, ShipStation, or similar services) automatically qualifies for commercial rates. You don’t need a special contract or minimum volume. 

Packaging Type2025 Retail Price2026 Retail Price2026 Commercial PriceChange
Express Flat Rate Envelope$31.40$33.25$28.80+$1.85
Express Legal Flat Rate Envelope$31.65$33.50$29.10+$1.85
Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope$32.25$34.15$29.35+$1.90

These adjustments reflect USPS’s strategic pricing approach. Priority Mail Express remains the premier overnight service for businesses, delivering in 1-3 days with a money-back guarantee. For time-sensitive documents and packages weighing up to 70 pounds, these services offer predictable flat rate pricing regardless of destination within the US.

Looking ahead: Mixed price adjustments reflect USPS strategy

The 2026 flat rate changes mark a departure from the usual pattern of across-the-board increases. Flat rate envelope decreases provide genuine savings for frequent shippers, while box prices continue climbing. This mixed approach reflects the Postal Service’s effort to balance competitive positioning with financial necessity.

Commercial shippers benefit significantly from the pricing structure, paying substantially less than retail customers across all flat rate products. The core advantage of flat rate shipping remains intact—predictable pricing for packages up to 70 pounds regardless of destination.

Ultimately, the Postal Service is trying to balance market competition with operational sustainability. The selective price decreases on envelopes suggest strategic positioning, while box increases reflect continued cost pressures. Flat rate loyalists face a more complex pricing landscape but retain the predictable shipping costs that make these services attractive for businesses and individuals nationwide.

All of these pricing increases go into effect January 18, 2026.

USPS Stamp Price Increase Remains in 2026 – No Increase

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You can finally stop worrying about a stamp price increase in January 2026. The United States Postal Service recently confirmed that First-Class Mail prices will stay the same at the start of the year. While shipping services will see hikes, the USPS chose to keep the cost of First-Class stamps at the current 78-cent rate through early 2026.

This decision breaks from recent USPS pricing patterns. The USPS governors accepted a recommendation from Postmaster General David Steiner to skip a price hike for “Market Dominant” products. However, other shipping services still face significant changes. Priority Mail will increase by about 6.6%, Priority Mail Express will rise 5.1%, USPS Ground Advantage will jump 7.8%, and Parcel Select will go up 6.0%. The USPS also indicated it plans to raise prices again in mid-2026, though it hasn’t announced specific details for those increases yet. For now, consumers can count on stable stamp prices through the first part of the year.

USPS Confirms No Stamp Hike for January 2026

In September 2025, the Postal Service officially announced that First-Class Mail prices would remain unchanged through early 2026. Postmaster General David Steiner specifically recommended against raising prices for these products, and the USPS Board of Governors approved his request.

The price for a standard one-ounce First-Class Mail letter will therefore remain at 78 cents, the rate established when stamps last increased in July 2025 (from 73 cents). This marks a departure from USPS’s recent pattern, as January price adjustments have become commonplace over the past decade. Steiner explained:

We continually strive to balance our pricing approach both to meet the revenue needs of the Postal Service and to deliver affordable offerings that reflect market conditions.

This stability aligns with the Delivering for America 10-year plan, which focuses on cost-effective operations and financial health. The USPS also pointed out that American postage remains a bargain compared to the rest of the world; only a few countries offer lower domestic letter rates. Even while holding prices steady, the USPS continues to implement cost-saving measures across its operations.

Historical trends show January increases are common

The absence of a January 2026 stamp price increase represents a significant deviation from established USPS practices. Historically, January has been a predictable time for postage rate adjustments. Since 2012, the agency has adjusted postage ten times during the first month of the year.

This pattern marks a sharp contrast with earlier postal history. Throughout the entire 20th century, stamp prices were adjusted only 17 times, yet since 2000, they have increased 16 times. The acceleration in frequency reflects the financial pressures facing the modern postal service, primarily due to declining mail volume—which has dropped by 68% since 2007.

Recently, the USPS has favored two increases per year—one in January and one in July. The July 2025 hike followed this pattern, which raised the First-Class Mail stamp from 73 to 78 cents.

Mailing Services price increases typically align with the consumer price index, whereas Shipping Services adjustments respond to market conditions [9]. Still, the USPS has typically adjusted both categories every January.

Even with regular increases, American postage remains relatively affordable internationally. A 2024 study found that U.S. stamp prices were lower than 26 out of 30 comparable countries. Moreover, despite periodic adjustments, the inflation-adjusted cost of stamps has remained relatively stable over time.

USPS raises shipping rates but keeps mailing services unchanged

Unlike the stability in First-Class Mail rates, the USPS has officially filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for significant shipping rate increases starting January 18, 2026. These proposed adjustments, already approved by the USPS governors, will affect several popular shipping services. The upcoming changes include:

Priority Mail Express prices will now start at $33.00, while Ground Advantage starts at $7.30. The USPS credits this difference to its two-track strategy: mailing services follow the consumer price index, while shipping rates respond to the competitive landscape. This approach helps the USPS maintain stable letter rates while adjusting package costs to match market reality.

The Postal Service frames these selective increases as part of its broader effort to achieve financial sustainability, balancing revenue needs with competitive market positioning. Altogether, this approach allows the USPS to maintain stable letter mail rates throughout early 2026 while adjusting package shipping costs to reflect current market realities.

Looking ahead: Higher postage rates with a break on stamps

The USPS decision to hold First-Class prices steady through early 2026 marks a real shift in policy. For years, people expected a January hike. Instead, the 78-cent Forever stamp provides some predictability for households and businesses during the first months of 2026.

Shipping customers face a tougher start to the year. Those using Priority Mail or Ground Advantage will see higher costs beginning January 18. Postmaster General David Steiner’s choice to skip a mailing hike suggests the agency is weighing consumer needs against economic pressures. While this break is likely temporary—with mid-2026 increases already on the horizon—it offers a bit of breathing room for regular mail users.

Ultimately, the Postal Service is trying to balance its own survival with public affordability. Even with lower mail volumes, the agency is adjusting its strategy to keep services accessible while moving toward long-term financial health.

Key Takeaways

  • Stamps stay at 78 cents: The USPS breaks a decade-long trend of January hikes.
  • Shipping costs go up: Priority Mail and Ground Advantage see increases of 5–8% on January 18.
  • Two-track pricing: The USPS ties mail to inflation but ties shipping to market competition.
  • Mid-2026 hikes are coming: This price freeze only covers the first half of the year.