USPS seeking 8% fuel surcharge on package and mail deliveries due to ‘transportation costs’

The US Postal Service is looking to impose an 8% fuel surcharge on package and mail deliveries to help make up for rising “transportation costs.”

If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the surcharge would go into effect on April 26th, and last until January 17th, 2027. The 8% fuel surcharge would apply to postage on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select products. First-class stamps and other mail services would not be subject to the surcharge. 

“Transportation costs have been increasing, and our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges,” the Postal Service wrote in an announcement. 

“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.”

“This temporary price adjustment will provide needed flexibility for the Postal Service by helping to ensure that the actual costs of doing business are covered, as required by Congress.”