How USPS Holiday Shipping Rates Work
USPS adjusts rates during the holiday season through a peak season surcharge. The surcharge applies to certain services when volumes are high, typically from late November through early January. The additional fee is added to standard postage for eligible packages, and the exact amount can vary by service and package size.
Which Services Are Affected
The peak surcharge usually applies to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Parcel Select packages. First-Class Package Service is generally not affected by the holiday surcharge. Additional services, such as insurance or signature confirmation, are typically billed at standard rates.
How to Prepare for Holiday Shipping Costs
To estimate costs, use the USPS postage calculator and review current rate tables before shipping. Weigh and measure your packages accurately, and compare rates across services. For the latest details on surcharges and deadlines, visit the official USPS holiday shipping information page at https://about.usps.com/holiday.
