Starting October 5, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will roll out temporary price increases across several of its main shipping services. The adjustment is set to help the agency manage higher handling costs during the busy holiday season and will last until January 18, 2026.
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The move will affect popular services like Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. USPS emphasized that no other products or services will be impacted by this seasonal pricing change.
Rates
The price changes will go into effect at midnight Central Time on October 5 and remain active through the holiday rush until midnight on January 18. USPS has called this a “temporary adjustment,” aimed at keeping up with the increased volume and complexity of holiday shipping.
Customers looking for more affordable options can still choose USPS Ground Advantage, with rates starting at $6.80. But if you wait until the last minute, expect to pay more—Priority Mail Express, for example, starts at $31.40.
Deadlines
To avoid delays and disappointment, USPS is strongly urging customers to send holiday mail early. Based on recent data, it took an average of 2.5 days to deliver packages during the 2022 holiday season. That’s fast—but cutting it close can still backfire.
Here are the important domestic shipping deadlines to keep in mind for deliveries to arrive by December 25:
| Service | Lower 48 States | Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico & Territories |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Dec. 17 | Dec. 16 |
| First-Class Mail | Dec. 17 | Dec. 17 |
| Priority Mail | Dec. 18 | Dec. 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | Dec. 20 | Dec. 20 |
Military
For military mail, deadlines come much earlier. If you’re sending gifts to military addresses, plan ahead:
| Military Mail Service | Deadline |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Nov. 4 |
| First-Class & Priority Mail | Dec. 9 |
| Priority Mail Express | Dec. 16 |
USPS recommends shipping as early as possible to avoid weather-related or logistical delays that may occur closer to the holidays.
International
If you’re mailing gifts overseas, pay close attention to these dates. Packages headed to Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean must be shipped by December 9. The absolute last chance is December 16, but only when using Priority Mail Express International.
For Central and South America, the deadlines are even tighter:
| Region | First-Class/PM Intl. | Priority Mail Express Intl. |
|---|---|---|
| Central & South America | Dec. 2 | Dec. 16 |
These international deadlines apply to both personal and business mail, so plan accordingly if you’re sending gifts or orders abroad.
Stamps
Along with the pricing updates and shipping deadlines, USPS also introduced new holiday stamp designs on September 13. These festive additions help add a seasonal touch to your cards and packages.
The four designs include:
- A pear, pomegranate, and clementine with evergreen branches
- A traditional wreath
- Two cardinals perched on a mistletoe branch
- Three scarlet amaryllis flowers tied with a red ribbon
These stamps are available for purchase online and at local post offices. They’re expected to be popular with holiday card senders, so it’s a good idea to grab them early before supplies run low.
Santa
USPS also relaunched its Operation Santa for the 113th year. This cherished tradition invites kids across the country to write letters to Santa. Once the letters are received and verified, individuals and organizations can “adopt” them and help fulfill holiday wishes.
To be eligible, letters must be postmarked by December 6. After that, they’ll be uploaded to the USPS Operation Santa website for adoption. It’s a fun and meaningful way to spread holiday cheer, especially for families facing a tough season.
Tips
Even with the deadlines and price increases, USPS warns that delivery times are not always guaranteed. If you’re worried about missing the mark, consider alternatives like:
- In-store pickup
- Electronic gift cards or digital subscriptions
- Local delivery options
The earlier you send, the better your chances of avoiding delays, higher costs, or empty stockings.
FAQs
When do USPS holiday prices start?
The price hike begins at midnight Central on October 5.
When do USPS holiday prices end?
Prices return to normal at midnight Central on January 18, 2026.
What’s the last day to send Priority Mail?
December 18 for most U.S. destinations.
When should military mail be sent?
Ship USPS Ground Advantage by November 4.
What is Operation Santa?
A USPS program where letters to Santa are adopted and fulfilled.
