USPS Releases 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines, Plans Temporary Rate Increases Starting October 5

The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season to ensure delivery by December 25, with key dates including December 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, December 18 for Priority Mail, and December 20 for Priority Mail Express in the continental U.S. Alongside these deadlines, USPS is implementing temporary holiday surcharges from October 5 through January 18, 2026, affecting services like Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select, with increases ranging from 40 cents to $16 depending on weight and shipping zone. These rate hikes are intended to cover additional handling costs during the busy peak season and are part of USPS's broader 10-year revitalization plan. Consumers and retailers are advised to plan ahead, considering potential delays from high volume, weather, or transit disruptions. The USPS provides detailed schedules and pricing information on its website and local post offices to assist customers. Overall, while the holiday season brings higher shipping costs, USPS emphasizes early mailing and strategic planning to ensure timely deliveries.