The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a series of significant changes starting July 1st, impacting both mail delivery times and postage rates. These adjustments are part of the Postal Service’s broader “Delivering for America” 10-year plan, aimed at modernizing the network and achieving long-term financial sustainability.
One of the most notable changes involves service standards for various mail classes. While First-Class Mail will largely maintain its current 1-5 day delivery window, some mail will see faster standards, while a smaller portion might experience slightly slower delivery. The Postal Service is transitioning from 3-digit to 5-digit ZIP code pairings for service standards, promising greater precision in delivery expectations and expanding “turnaround” service for faster regional mail processing. This July 1st rollout marks the second phase of these service standard refinements.
In addition to service standard adjustments, the Postal Service has also implemented new prices for mailing services, with many taking effect on July 13, 2025. Consumers and businesses should be aware of updated costs for common services, which reflect an approximate average increase of 7.4% for mailing services products.
Key Price Adjustments (Effective July 13, 2025):
- First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: Increases from 73 cents to 78 cents.
- Metered First-Class Letters (1 ounce): Increases from 69 cents to 74 cents.
- Domestic Postcards: Increases from 56 cents to 62 cents.
- International Postcards & Letters (1 ounce): Increases from $1.65 to $1.70.
- Additional Ounce (single-piece letters): Increases from 28 cents to 29 cents.
- USPS Ground Advantage: Prices will increase by approximately 7.1%.
- Priority Mail: Prices will increase by approximately 6.3%.
- Parcel Select: Prices will increase by approximately 7.6%.
Notably, there will be no price changes to Priority Mail Express service. Additionally, the Postal Service will apply a 12% price reduction for postal insurance when mailing an item, offering some savings for shippers needing extra coverage.
The Postal Service is encouraging customers to utilize its online tools, including updated service standard look-up features on usps.com, to determine expected delivery times and costs for specific mailings.
