Higher Temporary Postal Rates Now In Effect Across Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I know it's still 90 degrees outside and we are watching a potential tropical system in the Gulf, but in the eyes of retailers like Walmart and shippers such as the Postal Service, it might as well be Christmas already.

red and white happy birthday signage

The United States Postal Service has already jumped into the holiday shipping season with both feet. USPS has officially announced and secured rate increases for shipping during the busy holiday season. So, not only will you pay more for the gifts you buy. You will be paying more to have those packages shipped and shared with loved ones around the globe.

Because all postal service rate increases have to be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, that request was made back in August and was approved. It officially went into effect at midnight on Sunday. The temporary shipping rates will remain active until midnight on January 17th of next year.

Here is what the USPS Retail price increases look like

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For Retail customers who use Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, the following rates will apply for Zones 1-4. Your post office desk clerk can explain what the different zones are and what they mean.  There is a $0.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs. , and a $0.80 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.

For larger parcels, the price increase is $1.25 for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs., and there is a$3.90 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs., and Oversized. Again, the desk clerk where you ship your packages can explain the different price breaks and the different zones.

READ MORE: Hottest Christmas Toy Trends for 2026

Here is what the price breakdowns look like for Priority Mail Zones 5-9:  There is a $1.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs. $2.10 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs. $4.30 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs. $9.10 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

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For Priority Mail Flat Rate, the price breakdowns and increases look like this:  There is a $2.10 increase for Large Flat Rate Boxes. $1.00 increase for all other Flat Rate Products. For USPS Ground Advantage in Zones 5-9, the price changes are reflected this way.  There is a $0.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs. $1.40 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs. $2.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs. $7.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs. and Oversized.

For Priority Mail Express: Zones 1-9, the following changes in price should be noted: $1.40 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs. $2.35 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs. $2.45 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs. $6.30 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs. $5.05 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs. $11.70 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs. $12.70 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs. $20.80 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

McConnell Adams, Townsquare Media Lansing

There will also be a $2.35 increase for Flat Rate Envelopes for those who choose to use Priority Mail Express. Again, we should note that these rate changes are temporary and reflect only the retail side of postal services.

USPS Has Announced New Commercial Shipping Rates for the Holiday Season Too

For those who ship commercially, there is also a new rate structure in place. You can find out about those rates and how they specifically apply to your shipping needs via the USPS website.

Now, don't think the Post Office is acting alone in adding a surcharge to holiday deliveries all of the major delivery companies have revealed that their holiday surcharges are already in effect. Those shippers include FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Shipping. It's just the cost of doing business or sharing holiday happiness.

READ MORE: 27 Year Holiday Tradition Not Happening This Year - What's New?

You could always get them something "As Seen on TV"; you know they'd love one of these gadgets.