Wisconsinites can expect more price increases for U.S. Postal Service shipping in 2026.
As part of its ten-year plan to mitigate financial struggles, the USPS will increase prices for several shipping services starting Jan. 18, 2026. The agency filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding the price changes on Nov. 18.
The announcement came on the same day the USPS released its financial reports for fiscal year 2025. The agency logged a controllable loss of $2.7 billion in 2025, compared to $1.8 billion in 2024. Controllable loss measures the net loss, minus expenses that are out of management’s control, such as workers’ compensation.
Here’s what to know about the newest wave of USPS price hikes:
How much are USPS prices increasing in 2026?
The USPS did not provide exact pricing changes, but here are the approximate changes for each impacted service:
- 6.6% increase for Priority Mail service
- 5.1% for Priority Mail Express service
- 7.8% for USPS Ground Advantage
- 6% for Parcel Select
How much is the forever stamp now?
Though shipping costs will go up, this round of price increases will not impact mailing services, the USPS announced.
That means the price of the first-class mail stamp, or “forever” stamp, will hold steady for now. The stamp currently costs 78 cents, following a 5-cent increase earlier this year.
The USPS calls it the “forever” stamp because consumers can use it in perpetuity, regardless of future price increases. When it was first introduced in 2007, the stamp cost 41 cents — nearly half of its current cost.
Holiday shipping information for USPS
Along with 2026 price increases, you should also plan for higher shipping costs during the holidays.
In October, the USPS announced it is temporarily raising prices through the peak holiday season to help cover extra handling costs. The USPS holiday prices are in effect from Oct. 5 to Jan. 18, 2026 and impact Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select packages.
