Current USPS shipping rates depend on a package’s weight, dimensions, destination zone, service, and whether postage is purchased at a retail counter or through an eligible online shipping provider. As of September 2026, retail USPS Ground Advantage starts at $7.90, a one-pound Priority Mail package starts at $11.00, and a Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope costs $12.90.
These prices are based on the USPS Notice 123 price list effective July 12, 2026. The exact cost of a shipment may be higher because of distance, dimensional weight, unusual packaging, optional services, or handling fees.
Current USPS Shipping Rates at a Glance
| USPS service | Current retail price |
|---|---|
| Ground Advantage, up to 8 oz. | From $7.90 |
| Ground Advantage, 12 oz. to 1 lb. | From $9.55 |
| Priority Mail, 1 lb. | From $11.00 |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | $12.90 |
| Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box | $13.65 |
| Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box | $24.80 |
| Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box | $34.00 |
| Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope | $35.90 |
| Media Mail, 1 lb. | $4.39 |
| First-Class stamped letter, 1 oz. | $0.82 |
| First-Class large envelope, 1 oz. | $1.69 |
| Postcard | $0.65 |
These are retail prices, not guaranteed quotes for every shipment. Zone-based services become more expensive as weight and shipping distance increase.
The complete tables appear in the official USPS Notice 123 price list.
USPS Ground Advantage Rates
USPS Ground Advantage is the Postal Service’s economical option for domestic packages. Retail prices vary by weight and zone.
A shipping zone represents the distance between the package’s origin and destination. Nearby destinations generally fall into lower zones, while packages traveling across the country enter higher zones.
Selected 2026 retail rates include:
| Weight | Zones 1–2 | Zone 5 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 oz. | $7.90 | $8.60 | $9.45 |
| 12 oz. to 1 lb. | $9.55 | $10.95 | $12.90 |
| 2 lb. | $10.80 | $14.10 | $19.05 |
| 5 lb. | $12.95 | $17.45 | $26.05 |
| 10 lb. | $15.95 | $22.85 | $39.45 |
Ground Advantage normally includes USPS Tracking. Eligible shipments may also include limited insurance coverage, although senders should verify the current terms and declared-value limits before mailing valuable goods.
This service is generally appropriate when cost matters more than obtaining the fastest available delivery. The estimated delivery period is not the same as a money-back guarantee.
Priority Mail Prices
Priority Mail is designed for faster domestic package delivery. Customers can use weight-and-zone pricing or USPS Flat Rate packaging.
For standard Priority Mail packages, selected retail prices are:
- One pound: $11.00 to $34.25, depending on zone
- Two pounds: $11.95 to $42.40
- Three pounds: $12.45 to $53.45
- Five pounds: $14.30 to $73.00
The unusually high Zone 9 prices show why senders should enter both ZIP Codes before choosing a service. A Flat Rate container may be less expensive for a heavy package traveling a long distance, while a regular box may cost less for a light, nearby shipment.
Priority Mail Flat Rate prices
| USPS packaging | Retail price |
|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $12.90 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $13.25 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $14.00 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $13.65 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | $24.80 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $34.00 |
| APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box | $32.55 |
Domestic Flat Rate packages may weigh up to 70 pounds. The item must fit inside the designated USPS container, and its flaps must close within the normal folds. A box cannot be enlarged or reconstructed to hold more material.
Priority Mail pricing generally includes tracking and insurance up to the applicable limit. Additional insurance or signature service may cost extra.
Priority Mail Express Rates
Priority Mail Express is USPS’s fastest widely available domestic shipping service. Its Flat Rate Envelope costs $35.90, while the Legal Flat Rate Envelope is $36.20 and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope is $36.90.
Weight-and-zone prices can be considerably higher, especially for large or distant shipments. Sunday or holiday delivery, where available, adds $12.50 under the current price schedule.
Delivery commitments depend on the origin, destination, acceptance time, and service availability. Senders with a time-sensitive shipment should confirm the specific scheduled delivery date shown when purchasing postage rather than relying on a general description of the service.
Media Mail Rates and Eligibility
Media Mail starts at $4.39 for one pound. Each additional pound adds approximately 73 or 74 cents under the current retail schedule. For example:
- Two pounds: $5.13
- Five pounds: $7.34
- Ten pounds: $11.02
- Twenty pounds: $18.39
The low price comes with strict content rules. Media Mail is intended for qualifying items such as books, recorded media, printed music, and certain educational materials. It cannot be used simply because an item is related to entertainment, art, or education.
USPS may inspect Media Mail packages to confirm eligibility. Merchandise, advertising, blank notebooks, and many electronic accessories do not qualify. An ineligible parcel can be reassessed at a higher rate.
Why the Quoted Rate May Be Higher
Weight is only one part of a USPS shipping calculation. The final charge can also be affected by:
Dimensional weight
Packages larger than one cubic foot may be charged according to dimensional weight when that figure exceeds the package’s actual weight. A large, lightweight box can therefore cost more than expected.
Length and volume fees
For Ground Advantage, a package longer than 22 inches but no longer than 30 inches can incur a $4.50 additional charge. Packages longer than 30 inches can incur a $10.00 charge. A parcel exceeding two cubic feet can add $21.00.
Nonstandard containers
Tubes, rolls, cans, and wooden or metal boxes may trigger a $4.50 fee. Certain liquid shipments and parcels that cannot move safely through standard processing may receive USA the same charge.
Optional services
Signature Confirmation, additional insurance, Certified Mail, Return Receipt, and other services can increase the total.
Retail and Commercial USPS Prices Are Different
The rates charged at a Post Office counter are retail rates. Eligible online postage platforms and business mailers may receive commercial prices, which are often lower.
Commercial pricing is not one universal discount. The amount depends on the service, shipment characteristics, postage provider, mailing volume, and any negotiated agreement. Businesses should compare the complete cost rather than assuming that every online label provides the same rate.
Temporary 2026 Transportation Adjustment
USPS implemented an 8% time-limited increase affecting base prices for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. The Postal Service said the adjustment was intended to address transportation costs and would remain in effect through January 17, 2027.
The retail figures listed in this guide reflect the current published price schedule rather than the lower rates that applied before the temporary adjustment. First-Class stamps were not part of that specific 8% shipping-services adjustment, although separate July 2026 mailing-price changes raised the one-ounce stamped-letter rate to $0.82.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest USPS service for a package?
Ground Advantage is commonly the lowest-priced option for ordinary merchandise. Media Mail can cost less, but only qualifying media may use it.
How much does USPS charge to ship a one-pound package?
A one-pound Ground Advantage parcel costs between $9.55 and $12.90 at retail for standard zones. A one-pound Priority Mail parcel begins at $11.00 and rises with distance.
Is Flat Rate shipping always cheaper?
No. Flat Rate can be economical for dense or long-distance shipments, but a lightweight package in a regular box may cost less under weight-and-zone pricing.
Are USPS boxes free?
USPS supplies designated Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packaging without a separate box charge. That packaging must be used with the corresponding service. Ground Advantage customers normally provide their own packaging.
How can I obtain an exact USPS shipping price?
Use the official USPS postage calculator with the origin and destination ZIP Codes, mailing date, weight, dimensions, and container type. The displayed quote should be checked again before purchasing postage because rates and service availability can change.
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