The U.S. Postal Service is seeking a temporary 8% charge on some of its most widely used shipping products, including Priority Mail, as it looks to offset rising transportation costs.
USPS filed notice Wednesday with the Postal Regulatory Commission requesting approval for the increase, which would take effect April 26 and remain in place through Jan. 17, 2027. The proposal is subject to final regulatory approval.
The filing comes as Postmaster General David Steiner has warned lawmakers that the Postal Service faces mounting financial pressure as traditional mail volumes continue to decline. Steiner has told Congress that without changes to existing law, the agency could run out of cash within a year.
In a news release, the agency said the temporary charge is intended to ensure it can cover the actual costs of doing business, as required by federal law. USPS noted that its private-sector competitors have responded to higher fuel prices with multiple surcharges.
“We have steadfastly avoided surcharges, and this charge is less than one-third of what our competitors charge for fuel alone,” the Postal Service said, adding that the increase would still leave it offering competitive shipping rates.
If approved, the 8% charge would apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. The agency said no other products or services would be affected, including First-Class Mail and postage stamps.
Steiner has urged lawmakers to lift a decades-old borrowing cap and grant USPS greater flexibility to raise prices to cover losses. He has also pointed to broader reforms as necessary to stabilize the agency’s long-term finances while maintaining nationwide service obligations.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
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