The U.S. Postal Service is implementing temporary price increases for several domestic shipping services beginning October 4, 2026. The seasonal rates are scheduled to remain in effect until January 17, 2027, when prices will return to their previously approved levels.
The temporary adjustment applies to USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Parcel Select at both retail and commercial rates. USPS says the seasonal pricing is intended to help cover additional handling costs during the peak holiday shipping period.
What This Means for ACi Customers
Customers using Confirmation Mail through USPS Ground Advantage or Priority Mail may see higher postage costs during the temporary pricing period.
For lightweight commercial pieces in the 0-3 lb. range, USPS has published the following increases:
- Priority Mail and Ground Advantage, Zones 1-4: +$0.40
- Ground Advantage, Zones 5-9: +$0.55
- Priority Mail, Zones 5-9: +$0.85
Increases are higher for heavier pieces and vary based on the USPS service and destination zone.
What Is Not Changing
The seasonal adjustment does not apply to First-Class Mail or USPS special services such as Certified Mail. Customers sending Certified Mail using First-Class Mail will therefore not see an increase as a result of this particular holiday adjustment.
Certified Mail can also be sent using Priority Mail. In those cases, the underlying Priority Mail postage will reflect the temporary seasonal rate while the Certified Mail service itself remains unaffected.
No Workflow Changes Required
ACi customers can continue preparing, sending, tracking, and retrieving proof for their mailings as usual. The primary change is the USPS postage amount for mailpieces using one of the affected services.
If you are unsure which USPS service your current Confirmation Mail workflow uses, or how the temporary rates may affect your mailing costs, contact the ACi team and we can help you review your current process.
ACi will continue monitoring USPS pricing and service changes that may affect accountable mail workflows.