Postal Service to charge more for package deliveries: What to know

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FILE - A customer writes an address on a package at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Gardena Post Office in Gardena, California, on December 12, 2025. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. Postal Service is adding a fuel surcharge to packages for the first time ever as gas prices continue to soar across the nation. 

USPS announced the price increase Wednesday, after it was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Here’s the latest: 

How much is USPS charging? 

By the numbers:

The Postal Service will add an 8% surcharge for all packages being shipped. The surcharge will not be applied to mail or first-class stamps. 

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What they're saying:

"Transportation costs have been increasing, and our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges," USPS said in a news release. "We have steadfastly avoided surcharges, and this charge is less than one-third of what our competitors charge for fuel alone, so even with this change, the Postal Service continues to offer great value in shipping with some of the lowest rates in the industrialized world."

Dig deeper:

USPS said the following products will include the fuel charge: 

• Priority Mail Express
• Priority Mail
• USPS Ground Advantage
• Parcel Select

When does the price increase start? 

Timeline:

Pending review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the price hike will take effect April 26 and last through at least Jan. 17, 2027. 

Gas prices soar amid U.S. war with Iran

Oil prices drop as Trump hints at ending Iran war

Oil prices dropped over 5% as president Trump is now looking towards peace negotiations with the Iran. Trump said Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were involved in the discussions to end the war. Iran up to this point has stood firm on not renewing talks. 

The backstory:

Pain at the gas pump has been one of the most immediate economic impacts of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, because the price of crude oil — the main ingredient in gasoline — has soared and swung rapidly in recent weeks, due to supply chain disruptions and cuts from major producers across the Middle East.

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According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas Wednesday was $3.98. That number is much higher along the West Coast. In California, where gas prices are the highest, the average Wednesday was $5.83.