USPS plans to raise shipping rates in 2026. Here's what you need to know.

If you have been waiting to send a package, you might want to do it before the new year.

The United States Postal Service has filed to increase the prices of its priority mail services beginning Jan. 18, a news release announced Friday.

The change would raise prices by about 6.6% for Priority Mail service, 5.1% for Priority Mail Express service, 7.8% for USPS Ground Advantage and 6% for Parcel Select. 

The service filed the recommendations with the Postal Regulatory Commission, which will review the changes before they take effect.

USPS will not raise prices in January for mailing services and the price of a First-Class Mail stamp will not change, the agency said.

10-year plan

The increases would be part of the postal service’s 10-year "Delivering for America" plan.

As part of the postal service’s network “modernization and transformation plan, the proposed changes will support achieving its public service mission...in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended,” a statement from USPS said.

The service is an independent federal establishment overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors and is mandated to be self-financing. The board has approved the proposed increases, according to the USPS.

"The governors believe these new rates will keep the postal service competitive while providing the organization with needed revenue," the agency said.

Starting Oct. 5, the postal service temporarily hiked prices on package services during the holiday season. The increase will remain in place through Jan. 18.

The USPS also announced in July that it would increase the price of Forever stamps and other mailing products and services.