Complete Story
01/21/2026
Postal Regulator Limits USPS to Once-a-Year Price Hikes for Mail through 2030
Source: Federal New Network, January 15, 2026
The Postal Service’s regulator is setting limits on how often the agency can set higher prices for its monopoly mail products.
The Postal Regulatory Commission ruled on Tuesday that the USPS, starting in March, can only raise mail prices once a year. This limit will remain in place through September 30, 2030.
The commission eased restrictions on USPS mail prices in December 2020, when the agency was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and was months away from running out of cash.
Since then, USPS has generally raised mail prices every January and July. Despite setting higher prices, the mail agency is seeing deeper net losses each year, and is far from achieving the “break-even” goal of its 10-year reform plan. In July 2025, USPS raised the price of a first-class stamp to 78 cents.
Members of the commission wrote in their order that the Postal Service’s long-term financial problems “cannot be resolved by using pricing authority alone.”
2026 Print Week Celebrations
Our first event is next Thursday, March 5, and registrations are pouring in. Our Print Week traditions also recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and companies in the industry. Read about the exceptional winners of the Maxwell Award and Printer of the Year Award. Register now to celebrate with them! See a helpful link to the SOUTHERN event's location. Also, receive savings on your MICHIGAN stay by booking your room via GMA's portal.
Read MoreTurning Energy Costs Into Opportunity: How GMA Members Are Capturing Real Savings Through Demand Response
GMA members are already seeing measurable energy savings through TogetherSolve’s Demand Response and procurement programs. With enrollment deadlines approaching, now is the time to act and position your business for immediate and long-term cost advantages.
Read MoreOhio's Mini-WARN Law Expands Advance Notice Rules for Mass Layoffs and Closures
As more layoffs are announced across the country, employers operating in Ohio must make sure they understand their obligations under the state’s “mini-WARN” law that just rolled out last fall.
Read MoreJuly Price Change Becoming Clearer
After eleven months, the Postal Service’s potential annual rate authority under the CPI (Consumer Price Index) cap is getting clearer. Like the rest of us, the Postal Service is watching where the CPI cap may land.
Read MoreDigital Printing Poised to 'Mature' in 2026
Factors such as brands’ input, artificial intelligence and system interoperability are expected to influence adoption of digital printing for packaging this year, according to a newly released report.
Read MoreThe Key to a Great Sales Pitch
They say you have 8 seconds to grab someone's attention. THAT'S IT! For salespeople, that means you'd better get to the point quickly. But what point? In this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip, Bill Farquharson tells you how to create a great sales pitch.
Read More