WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Postal Service plans to raise prices in some mail categories by 8% starting April 26, 2026. The price changes will remain in effect until January 17, 2027.

The price hike applies to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. The USPS described the price hike as a time-limited adjustment to cover its basic costs.

The USPS said transportation costs have been increasing and competitors have reacted with surcharges on shipping services. The USPS said the charge is less than one-third of what competitors charge for fuel alone and that its shipping rates remain lower than competitors in industrialized countries.

Postmaster General David Steiner told lawmakers at a House Oversight hearing that the agency is running out of money. Steiner told lawmakers that in about a year the Postal Service would be unable to deliver mail if conditions remained unchanged.