It will cost you MORE, to send out mail this holiday season; the U.S. Postal Service has instituted a “Temporary Price Increase” for absolute busiest time of the year shipping to help cover the extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season; the price increases, which started October 6th, will remain in effect through midnight on January 19th, 2025, and covers USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
Those price increases range from 30 cents to $16, based upon the weight of the package whether it’s retail or commercial – and also its “zone,” the classification used to determine how far the package has to travel.
Stamp prices will remain the same.
You can go here to see the price increase for each breakdown.
Shipping Deadlines
The USPS recently announced recommended mailing and shipping dates for expected delivery before December 25th.
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for all Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18th
- First-Class Mail service: December 18th
- Priority Mail service: December 19th
- Priority Mail Express service: December 21st
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates, for all Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16th
First-Class Mail service: December 18th
Priority Mail service: December 19th
Priority Mail Express service: December 20th
For customers sending packages internationally or to military addresses USPS suggests checking into their complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.