For the first time ever, USPS is adding a fuel surcharge to its delivery services. This announcement is getting a lot of attention because it’s something we haven’t seen before.
Starting in late April, an approximate 8% surcharge will be applied to services like Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. Right now, the USPS says this is a temporary change expected to run through early 2027. USPS has always stood apart from other delivery carriers like UPS and FedEx by not adding fuel surcharges. That was one of the reasons it was often a more cost-effective option.
If you’re shipping anything like books, kits, or materials, this will have an impact.
An 8% increase might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly. It also introduces a level of variability that USPS customers haven’t had to consider before.
Shipping costs may be higher than expected. Estimates from even a few months ago may no longer be accurate.
It comes down to rising transportation and fuel costs. Other delivery carriers have already built surcharges into their pricing. This change helps them better align with market conditions.
This new fuel surcharge may feel like a big change, but it’s still significantly lower than what UPS and FedEx have been charging for years.
USPS (new in 2026): 8%
UPS ground: typically: 18%–22%
FedEx ground: typically 17%–22%
DHL ground: typically 20%-35%
It’s important to look at the total project cost, not just the print. The shipping strategy matters more than it used to. If you have a project coming up, especially anything that involves shipping packages or multi-location shipping, let’s take some time to walk through it together. We can help you look at quantities, timing, and distribution to avoid surprises on the back end. Reach out to me directly at bzbozen@4hatteras.com or contact the Hatteras team to get started.