The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a price increase for its services for the 2026 fiscal year, which has caused significant dissatisfaction among users. These changes were announced after being approved by the USPS governors and reported to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). These modifications, which will take effect on January 18, 2026, will affect the prices of services such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. According to the USPS, these adjustments are due to market conditions, which have forced them to take measures to keep the service competitive.
According to Rolling Out, the USPS is facing numerous financial challenges, recording a $9 billion loss in fiscal year 2025. Although some metrics have shown slight improvements, the situation remains concerning. Many users have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, claiming that the company should be privatized, or that in this way they are harming small businesses that handle their shipments after online sales.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Founded in 1775, it is one of the oldest delivery entities in the United States. It is the independent postal agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for delivering mail and packages throughout the country and internationally. Its main services include sending letters, packages, certified mail, express shipments, and moving services. All additional services include passport-related services or solutions for businesses such as direct mail or volume discounts.
What’s happening with the USPS?
Their latest announcement has caused a stir among users, as modifications in service prices have been announced. Taking effect on January 18, 2026, the new price changes are due to the USPS’s need to address a financial crisis. After being approved by the USPS governors and notified to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), they were announced to the public last week. According to the USPS, these will be the 2026 price changes:
- Priority Mail: 6.6% increase.
- Priority Mail Express: 5.1% increase.
- USPS Ground Advantage: 7.8% increase.
- Parcel Select: 6% increase.
Regarding postage stamps, the USPS stated, “As previously announced, the postal service will not raise January prices for mail services; the price of a First-Class stamp will remain unchanged”.
USPS’s financial health
According to Rolling Out, the USPS “continues to face serious financial challenges.” It reported that the USPS posted a staggering $9 billion loss for fiscal year 2025, while the USPS itself revealed that its controllable loss was $2.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, an increase compared to $1.8 billion the previous year. According to Postmaster General David Steiner, “To correct our financial imbalances, we must explore new revenue opportunities and changes in public policy to improve our business model. Most importantly, we must operate more efficiently and compete more effectively to better fulfill our public service mission.
Reaction on social media
Users’ opinions on social media did not take long to appear, and none of them show agreement with the USPS announcement. You can read:
“We’ve all gotten into trouble: we can’t find what we need in the city anymore, we have to buy online and pay $$$ for shipping”.
“How the heck are they raising rates again in January? They already have a ‘holiday’ surcharge until January. Why do they keep losing $? They’re really hurting small businesses and consumers. They should be privatized”.