The cost of mailing a 1-ounce single-piece First-Class letter will not increase in early 2026, U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner said.
His recommendation not to raise prices in January 2026 for Market Dominant products — which includes First-Class Mail — was accepted by the governors of the United States Postal Service. The Postal Service’s operational strategies are designed to maintain cost efficiency, boost service reliability and overall productivity, according to a statement.
“We continually strive to balance our pricing approach both to meet the revenue needs of the Postal Service and to deliver affordable offerings that reflect market conditions,” Steiner said.
“We have therefore decided at this time to forgo a price change for First-Class Mail postage and other Market Dominant services until mid-year 2026,” Steiner added.
The 10 Year Plan
The Postal Service continues to work toward delivering on the tenets of its strategic 10-year plan, Delivering for America, and executing its public service mission — to provide a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress intended and the law requires.
The Postal Service also remains committed to continued cost-saving measures and keeping products and services affordable.
“We continue to take a very considered approach to pricing and note that only a handful of countries around the world offer a lower price for a domestic single-piece letter,” per the statement.
About The United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week.
Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.