Federal Register #2026-09584

USPS Announces Rate and Classification Changes for Competitive Products and New Address API Service

The United States Postal Service is announcing significant changes to rates and classifications for its competitive products and services. - Government Buyer: - United States Postal Service (USPS), Office of the Board of Governors - OEMs and Vendors: - USPS is the sole provider and OEM for all listed products and services - Products and Services Requested/Changed: - Priority Mail Express - Dimensional weighting divisor changed from 166 to 139 - New HazMat Handling Fee: $7.50 - HazMat Noncompliance Fee: $50 - Priority Mail - Dimensional weighting divisor changed from 166 to 139 - New HazMat Handling Fee: $7.50 - HazMat Noncompliance Fee: $50 - Parcel Select - Outbound prices unchanged - Parcel Select Forwarding and Returns price increased from $3.80 to $6.00 - Address Correction Service price increased from $3.20 to $5.40 - Dimensional weighting divisor changed from 166 to 139 - HazMat Handling Fee: $0 (initially) - HazMat Noncompliance Fee: $50 - USPS Ground Advantage - Elimination of ounce-based rate differentiation for commercial - Average price increase of 11.8% for commercial - Dimensional weighting divisor changed from 166 to 139 - HazMat Handling Fee: $0 (initially) - HazMat Noncompliance Fee: $50 - Competitive Post Office Box - Prices increasing 3.0% on average - Classification changes to Package Intercept definition - Addresses API Service (Address Enhancement Services) - New service for address validation and correction - Tiered monthly pricing based on record requests - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Introduction of hazardous materials handling and noncompliance fees - Updates to dimensional weighting standards - Expansion of Connect Local to include USPS Smart Lockers - New Addresses API service for address validation/correction - All changes ensure compliance with cost coverage and regulatory requirements - No third-party OEMs or vendors are named; USPS is the sole provider

Description

This notice from the Postal Service announces changes in rates and classifications for competitive products effective July 12, 2026. The changes include adjustments to pricing structures for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and USPS Ground Advantage, including new fees related to hazardous materials handling and noncompliance. Additionally, new services such as the Addresses API under Address Enhancement Services will be introduced. The notice ensures that competitive products cover their attributable costs and comply with regulatory requirements.

View original listing