Overview
- The price of a 1-ounce First-Class Forever stamp stays at 78 cents, as USPS pauses Market Dominant price changes in January 2026 following a recommendation by Postmaster General David Steiner accepted by the Board of Governors.
- Temporary, zone- and weight-based surcharges on parcel services take effect Oct. 5, 2025 through Jan. 18, 2026, with the Postal Regulatory Commission confirming the changes.
- Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select are affected, with retail increases ranging from about 40 cents to $7 and up to $16 for heavier Priority Mail Express shipments.
- USPS characterizes the seasonal surcharges as covering extra handling costs and aligning with competitive practices during the holiday peak.
- The latest freeze follows the July 13 increase that raised the Forever stamp from 73 to 78 cents, and USPS has previously signaled it may resume semiannual price filings in 2026–2027 subject to approvals.