Record labels, stores, resellers and merch outfits are facing yet another increase in postage rates starting this month, affecting both domestic and international shipments.
There are a few reductions mixed in, based on weight. According to USPS, overall shipping rates are increasing 6.6% for Priority Mail services, 5.1% for Priority Mail Express, 7.8% for Ground Advantage and 6% for Parcel select.
The postal rate increases goes into effect starting January 18 2026.
Here are other details of interest to people in the music community:
International Shipments
First Class Package International, Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International rates are going up, with some services increasing by as much as 16%. USPS says the price difference for each of the services and at different weights and destinations averages out to a 5.9% increase overall.
Priority Mail
Priority rates are mostly going up across the board. The exception are rates for packages between 11 and 20 pounds, which are decreasing by 8%.
Media Mail
Media Mail rates remain flat! Which is a nice change from the last several rate increases.
Priority Mail Express
Increasing by around 2%.
Priority Mail Flat Rate
A mixed bag of very small increases and decreases of less than $0.50 across different size envelopes (all decreasing) and boxes (a mix of small increases and decreases).
Unamused Box Cat by Jiawei Zhao on Unsplash
