The USPS price change coming this July isn’t panic-worthy, but it is worth your attention, especially if you’re running a print shop, fulfillment center, or online store. Shipping costs are going up across several USPS services, and while the increases vary, they all share one thing in common: they’re happening whether you’re ready or not.
For garment decorators and e-commerce sellers, these changes affect more than just your shipping tab. They hit your margins, your customer expectations, and your store’s competitiveness at checkout. This is exactly why businesses that stay sharp on logistics and use platforms like DecoNetwork to adapt quickly tend to come out ahead.
Knowing what’s changing is one thing. Planning for it is another. Let’s break down what’s going up, why it’s happening, and what you can do to stay in control.
What The USPS Price Changes Look Like
The USPS price change officially drops on July 13, 2025, and it’s going to hit almost every major service. If you rely on USPS for fulfillment, now’s the time to look at the details, not just the headlines. These changes aren’t meant to scare you—they’re about helping you adjust before they cut into your margins.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Priority Mail Retail is going up 7.3%
- Priority Mail Commercial increases 5.1%
- Ground Advantage Retail jumps 9.8%
- Ground Advantage Commercial climbs 4.7%
- Connect Local rises 5.7%
- Parcel Select Services increase on average 7.6%
Rates for Priority Mail Express, Domestic Extra Services, and International Ancillary Services will stay the same, which is a small win for anyone running international orders or rush jobs.
One thing to watch: USPS is phasing out a Parcel Select pricing category that used to apply to volume introduced at network distribution centers. They’re steering customers toward Ground Advantage instead, calling it “essentially the same service.” If you’ve been using that discontinued entry point, it’s time to revisit your logistics setup and pricing strategy.
Bottom line: Pull up your shipping presets and adjust. A few percentage points might seem small on paper, but they add up fast when you’re processing dozens or hundreds of orders a week. The sooner you align your pricing and shipping options, the better your business will handle the shift.
Why The USPS Price Change Is Happening
The USPS price change isn’t random. It’s part of a bigger play. The Postal Service’s long-term strategy to stop bleeding cash and start competing in a modern logistics game. This isn’t about greed or trying to squeeze small businesses. It’s about survival in a world where Amazon, UPS, and FedEx are dominating the delivery space.
Here’s the real talk: USPS posted a $3.3 billion loss in the first quarter of 2025. That’s more than double what it lost during the same time last year. The agency is trying to fund a $40 billion overhaul, investing in better infrastructure, smarter tech, and more reliable service. That takes capital, and raising prices is one of the few levers they can pull without waiting on Congress.
There’s also a leadership change in the mix. David Steiner, former CEO of Waste Management and longtime FedEx board member, is set to become the next postmaster general. That’s a signal. USPS wants more efficiency, stronger logistics partnerships, and a modern mindset at the top.
So what does this mean for you? It means the price changes are part of a calculated shift. USPS isn’t just trying to keep the lights on, they’re trying to play the long game. Understanding that helps you make smarter decisions about whether to double down on USPS, negotiate commercial rates, or explore other carriers in your mix.
How The USPS Price Change Impacts Your Business
The USPS price change is a reality check for anyone running a print shop, e-commerce brand, or fulfillment operation. If you’re offering flat-rate or free shipping, these rate hikes can quietly chip away at your margins unless you get ahead of them.
This is where strategy matters. If you’re using Ground Advantage Retail, that 9.8% increase can hurt unless you’re baking that cost into your pricing. For those on Commercial rates, the bump is smaller, but it still adds up over time, especially during high-volume months like back-to-school or holiday seasons.
Now’s the time to audit your shipping workflows.
- Revisit your pricing strategy.
- Consider setting order minimums for free shipping.
- Push more volume through Commercial accounts to access better rates.
- Keep an eye on customer experience—nobody likes surprise fees at checkout.
Also, think beyond USPS. With FedEx, UPS, and regional carriers all jockeying for your business, you’ve got options. The USPS price change might be the nudge you need to test new partnerships or hybrid shipping setups that balance speed and savings.
If shipping is a key part of your value prop, protect it. The best shops aren’t just printing great products, they’re delivering smart, reliable experiences from click to doorstep.
The Takeaway: USPS Price Change Coming July 2025
The USPS price change set for July 2025 isn’t the end of the world, but it’s a clear sign that shipping costs are going to keep moving. If you’re running a print shop, online store, or fulfillment operation, you can’t afford to sleep on rate updates like this. Margins are already tight. Every cent matters.
Now’s your chance to get proactive. Recheck your pricing, update your shipping rules, and communicate clearly with customers. The smartest businesses aren’t waiting for problems to show up, they’re using tools like DecoNetwork to stay ahead of the curve. With built-in shipping integrations, live rate updates, and storefront syncing, you can keep things smooth for your team and your buyers.
Shipping is always changing. The ones who win are the ones who adapt faster.
