WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service has proposed shipping rate increases for 2027, including an average 5.9% increase for several domestic shipping services and a new 11% fuel surcharge, while keeping the price of First-Class Mail stamps unchanged.
The Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission seeking adjustments to domestic and international shipping rates and certain service fees. The proposed changes, approved this week by the USPS Board of Governors, are scheduled to take effect Jan. 17, 2027, following regulatory review.
Under the proposal, prices would increase by an average of 5.9% for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select services.
The Postal Service also plans to make permanent an 8% transportation-related price adjustment implemented in April 2026, converting it into a fuel surcharge. An additional 3% would be added because of rising fuel costs, bringing the total surcharge to 11%.
The fuel surcharge would apply to domestic shipping services but would not affect international products at this time. USPS plans to reevaluate the surcharge in July 2027 based on fuel prices during the first half of the year.
In addition to the domestic rate increases, the Postal Service is proposing an average 7.9% increase for several international shipping services, including Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service and International Priority Airmail.
The agency also plans to revise international country rate groups and assignments while introducing an optional Outbound Proof of Delivery service for Priority Mail International. USPS Delivered Duty Paid service would also expand to International Priority Airmail, allowing customers to pay applicable duties when mailing or at a later time.
Other proposed changes include adjustments to certain competitive special services, including address enhancement services, premium forwarding services and other ancillary services. Competitive post office box prices would remain unchanged in January.
The proposed increases would not affect the price of First-Class Mail stamps, which the Postal Service said remain among the most affordable mailing options worldwide.
According to USPS, mailing service price increases are generally tied to the consumer price index, while shipping rates are primarily adjusted based on market conditions.
Postal officials said the proposed adjustments are intended to keep the agency competitive while generating additional revenue as it continues efforts to address financial challenges and modernize its operations.
The changes are part of the Postal Service’s ongoing transformation plan, which focuses on improving its transportation and delivery network, increasing operational efficiency and achieving long-term financial sustainability.
The agency said its goal remains maintaining a nationwide delivery network that provides mail and package service at least six days a week while controlling costs.
The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed adjustments before their scheduled implementation.
The complete filing is available through the Postal Regulatory Commission website under Docket No. CP2027-1. Additional pricing information is available through the USPS Postal Explorer website.
