US Postal Service Imposes 6% Seasonal Fee on Parcels, Joining FedEx and UPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced an additional 6% surcharge on parcel shipments during the peak season running between October and December 2026, joining both FedEx and UPS, which announced similar fees earlier in the year.

The decision comes amid growing pressure on U.S. distribution networks due to the surge in e-commerce orders during the holiday season, as the National Retail Federation expects a 7% growth in holiday sales compared to last year.

The decision sparked a wave of reactions among online merchants, who pointed out that the accumulation of seasonal fees from three major operators at once represents an additional burden that is difficult to pass on entirely to the end consumer.

This move reveals a recurring pattern among major shipping companies to protect their margins during high-demand seasons, with small e-commerce merchants remaining the hardest-hit group due to their lack of bargaining power to secure exemptions or discounts. Regional shipping companies are expected to announce similar fees in the coming weeks, which will further narrow the options for merchants searching for cheaper alternatives.

What do these terms mean?

Seasonal Peak Surcharges: Additional fees imposed by shipping companies during busy seasons like holidays to cover rising costs, added on top of the base shipping price.

E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods online, which is the main driver of the increased demand for parcel shipments during the holiday season.

Profit Margins: The difference between the price of a service and its actual cost — shipping companies raise their seasonal fees to maintain this margin during peak times.