USPS proposes permanent 11% fuel surcharge for 2027

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed making its fuel surcharge permanent at 11% and raising domestic package shipping prices by an average of 5.9%, with the changes scheduled to take effect Jan. 17, 2027, subject to regulatory review.

The proposal would convert an 8% surcharge introduced in April into an 11% charge. USPS said the additional three percentage points reflect further increases in fuel prices. The Postal Service Board of Governors approved the proposed adjustments, which the Postal Regulatory Commission must review before they can take effect.

The average 5.9% domestic increase would apply to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. USPS also proposed average increases of 7.9% for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service and International Priority Airmail. The fuel surcharge would not apply to international products at this time.

The surcharge would remain at a fixed rate when it begins in January. USPS plans to reevaluate it in July 2027 based on fuel prices during the first half of the year. The agency has also said it intends to move eventually to weekly...