2025 USPS Rate Changes and Service Updates

Updated as of 1/20/25.
The United States Postal Service (USPS®) updates its rates at least once a year, and sometimes more frequently. At ShipStation, we’re committed to keeping you informed and providing support every step of the way during these changes.
The good news? We offer best-in-class discounted rates across USPS shipping services, along with other carrier options you know and trust. Even as rate changes occur, you can count on us to help you access significant savings and maximize the value of your shipping budget.
What is a rate change?
Rate changes are regular updates to shipping prices made by carriers. These adjustments happen for various reasons, including changes in fuel costs, inflation, or operational upgrades. They help carriers stay competitive and maintain financial stability. These updates are commonly known as rate changes or rate adjustments.
January 2025 rate changes
Starting January 19, 2025, USPS implemented adjustments to shipping rates. Here’s a summary of the key changes that took effect:
Peak Demand Surcharges Are Ending
The USPS peak demand surcharges that started on October 6, 2024, to help manage the holiday shipping rush will end on January 19, 2025. Once they end, shipping prices will go back to “normal,” meaning the seasonal surcharges will no longer be added.
USPS Rate Changes
USPS implemented service rate changes on January 19, 2025. See how these changes will impact your USPS shipping rates on ShipStation compared to Commercial Rates:
- Ground Advantage™: Overall, rates decreased by about 0.5%, with savings of up to $3.03 and discounts of up to 21.3% off Commercial Rates. However, some packages under one pound saw a slight increase of about 1.3%.
- Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Prices dropped by about 1.2%, offering savings of up to $1.69 and discounts of up to 20.5% off Commercial Rates.
- Priority Mail®: This service had the largest decrease, down about 5.7%, with some rates decreasing as much as $10.50 and discounts of up to 24.6% off Commercial Rates.
- Priority Mail® Flats Rate: Rates decreased by about 1.7%, with savings of up to $1.30 in some areas and discounts of up to 5.4% off Commercial Rates.
- Priority Mail Cubic®: Prices went down by about 3.4%, offering savings of up to $4.88 in some areas and discounts of up to 19.1% off Commercial Rates.
USPS Rural ZIP Code Changes
In September 2024, USPS designated a specific list of rural ZIP Codes. The updated list now reflects 12 fewer rural ZIP Codes than before, with some being removed and others added. If you’d like to check if a particular ZIP Code is impacted by this change, please reach out to our support team for assistance.
Retail and Commercial Price Changes
USPS announced updates to Retail and Commercial shipping rates, set to take effect on January 19, 2025.
What Does This Mean for You?
Navigating frequent carrier rate changes can be challenging, but we’re here to make it easier. Our software provides tools and resources to help you stay on top of these updates while optimizing your shipping operations.
Here’s How We Help:
- Providing Resources: We’ll update this blog with USPS changes, so be sure to bookmark it for easy access.
- Offer Discounted Rates: Enjoy savings of up to 89% on USPS shipping, thanks to our partnership.
- Keep You Informed About the Industry: We’ll keep you updated on the ever-changing landscape of carriers, including topics like rate changes, demand surcharges, dynamic pricing, and other industry shifts.
- Streamline Your Fulfillment Process: From printing shipping labels to tools that help you make the best carrier decision for your business, we help simplify every step.
By partnering with ShipStation, you can make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and maintain smooth shipping operations even as carrier rates evolve.
For more information, check out our Help Center. Stay ahead of the game and navigate the USPS rate changes with confidence!