USPS, FedEx, and UPS 2026 rate changes

Shipping costs are a critical part of running an ecommerce business, and if you’re reviewing your shipping strategy in late January, you’ve likely already felt the impact of the latest carrier updates. UPS, FedEx, and USPS are all updating their rates, which means now is the right time to understand what’s changing and how it may impact your shipping strategy in 2026.

Whether you’re a small business owner shipping a few packages a day or a high‑growth brand managing volume through an API, staying ahead of carrier rate changes helps you protect margins, set the right expectations with customers, and avoid last‑minute surprises.

Below, we’re breaking down what we know so far, what’s still coming, and what to do next.

Why carrier rate changes matter

Carrier rate updates affect more than just your shipping bill. They influence how you price products, which delivery options you offer at checkout, and how competitive your brand feels to customers.

Understanding upcoming changes helps you:

• Plan ahead: Anticipate cost increases or decreases before they show up on your invoice.
• Optimize your shipping mix: Adjust services, weights, zones, or packaging to control costs.
• Protect margins: Make informed decisions about shipping fees, free shipping thresholds, or promotions.
• Stay competitive: Continue offering reliable delivery options without eroding profitability.

UPS rate changes (effective December 22, 2025)

UPS published its 2026 Daily Rates, effective December 22, 2025. As changes vary by service, weight, zone, and surcharge, the most accurate way to understand impact is by reviewing the official UPS rate charts (and comparing tables year over year) or rate-shopping live shipments.

FedEx rate changes (effective January 5, 2026)

FedEx’s 2026 rate changes took effect on January 5, 2026, and FedEx provides clear, service-level documentation outlining what’s changing.

What’s changing with FedEx

• FedEx package standard list rates for U.S., U.S. export, and U.S. import services increased an average of 5.9%.
  
  • View 2026 FedEx standard list rates 
• FedEx Ground® Economy, FedEx Ground Multiweight®, FedEx International Premium®, and FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution® rates increased.
• Minimum rates for FedEx U.S. and international package services increased.
• FedEx Logistics U.S. and Canada base customs brokerage rates increased by 4% (excluding ancillary brokerage fees).
• FedEx One Rate® pricing increased.
  
  • View 2026 FedEx One Rate® pricing (effective January 19, 2026)
• FedEx retail rates increased.
  
  • View 2026 FedEx retail rates 
• FedEx Custom Critical® rates increased an average of 5% for White Glove shipments requiring dry or temperature-controlled services in North America.

USPS rate changes (effective January 18, 2026)

The U.S. Postal Service implemented new shipping and postage prices on January 18, 2026. Below are the key changes to USPS’ Domestic and International mail services.

USPS domestic mail services changes:

• USPS Ground Advantage: 7.8% average increase
  
  
• Priority Mail: 6.6% average increase
  
  
• Parcel Select: 6.0% average increase
  
  
• Priority Mail Express: 5.1% average increase
  
  
• USPS Connect Local: 4.9% average increase
  

USPS international mail services changes:

• Priority Mail Express International: 5.9% average increase
  
  
• Priority Mail International: 5.9% average increase
  
  
• First-Class Package International Service: 5.9% average increase
  
  
• International Priority Airmail: 5.9% average increase
  
  
• Airmail M-bags: 44.0% average increase
  
  
• First-Class Mail International: no change  

What to do now

Here are a few proactive steps you can take today.

Review your shipping data

Look at your most common shipment profiles—weights, package sizes, zones, and carriers—to understand where rate changes may have the biggest impact.

Stress-test your shipping strategy

Run a few scenarios using updated carrier rates to see how costs change across different services. This helps you spot opportunities to switch services or carriers without sacrificing delivery speed.

Build flexibility into your workflows

The more automated and dynamic your shipping setup is, the easier it becomes to adapt when rates change.

How Shippo helps you adapt to rate changes with up to 90% off retail rates

Carrier updates don’t have to mean extra manual work. Shippo is designed to help businesses adjust quickly, without disrupting day‑to‑day operations.

For SMBs using the Shippo web app

• Smart rate shopping: See the most cost‑effective shipping options all in one glance, without manually toggling between multiple carrier websites.
• Multi‑carrier flexibility: Easily compare UPS, FedEx, USPS, and more in one place.
• Built‑in automation: Apply shipping rules to choose the best option based on price, speed, or destination.

For high‑growth ecommerce brands using the Shippo API

• Real‑time rates: Surface accurate, up‑to‑date shipping rates at checkout across 40+ carriers.
• Custom shipping rules: Programmatically select carriers and services based on your cost and delivery requirements.

Whether you’re shipping dozens or thousands of packages, Shippo helps you stay efficient, even as carrier pricing evolves.

Fine‑tuning your operations for success

Carrier rate changes are inevitable, but scrambling to react doesn’t have to be. By staying informed, reviewing your data, and using flexible shipping tools, you can keep costs under control and continue delivering a great customer experience.

Ready to get started?

• For SMBs: Create a free Shippo account and start shipping with discounted rates.
• For high‑growth brands: Talk to an expert to learn how Shippo’s API can support your shipping strategy at scale.