From rising surcharges to customs changes and the latest USPS rate hike, it’s a critical time to take a fresh look at your parcel shipping strategy. This is especially true if you’re in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space or rely on small, lightweight package delivery.
Here’s a breakdown of the key updates across USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, and why Q3 and Q4 could bring opportunities to improve cost and service if you're ready to reassess.
The USPS implemented new rates on July 13, marking their seventh increase since 2001. If you're shipping small, lightweight packages, this change could significantly affect your cost structure.
Now is a smart time to reassess your shipping strategy, especially if your current setup leans heavily on USPS for DTC fulfillment. Even slight adjustments in packaging, service level, or carrier mix could unlock meaningful savings.
Shipping Services:
Priority Mail: +6.3%
Ground Advantage: +7.1%
Parcel Select: +7.6%
Mailing Services:
Forever Stamp: Up 5 cents to $0.78
Additional Ounce (Letters): Up to $0.29
Domestic Postcards: Up to $0.61
International Postcards & 1 oz. Letters: Up to $1.70
Overall, mailing service prices increased by approximately 7.4%.
If your business is heavily reliant on USPS for small-parcel delivery, now’s the time to explore whether those shipments could be more cost-effective or better served through a blended or alternative carrier strategy.
Both FedEx and UPS began the year with a 5.9% general rate increase across most services. But the real impact often comes from surcharges, many of which have seen double-digit increases.
Notable FedEx and UPS Updates in 2025:
Large Package and Residential Delivery Fees: Some up by over 25%
Peak Season Surcharges: Rolling out again mid-year and into Q4
Dimensional Weight Pricing Adjustments: Affecting bulky, lightweight items
If you’re shipping lightweight items in oversized packaging or if your orders often trigger residential or extended zone fees, a packaging and service-level audit could bring instant ROI. These hidden charges often fly under the radar but compound quickly at scale.
DHL Express increased rates by 5.9% in January 2025, and DHL eCommerce bumped rates by 4.9 to 5.4%.
In April 2025, DHL temporarily suspended shipments over $800 to the U.S. due to customs processing issues. While service has resumed, the disruption was a reminder that cross-border shipping now requires more vigilance and a tighter handle on compliance.
If your DTC orders include international shipments or if you're expanding into cross-border markets, it’s worth reviewing how well your logistics setup handles customs, value thresholds, and returns. A small misstep here can cause big delays or unexpected costs.
Although base rates are not expected to rise again this year, surcharges and accessorial fees remain active cost drivers and can change quickly.
The USPS has also proposed temporary holiday price increases for package services from October 5, 2025 through January 18, 2026. These would apply to Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express. The percentage changes will vary based on the service, weight, and shipping zone, but average increases are expected to be about 5.2 percent for Ground Advantage, 5.6 percent for Priority Mail, and 5.6 percent for Priority Mail Express. Some retail rates will be slightly higher and some commercial rates slightly lower, depending on the service. These changes are currently under Postal Regulatory Commission review.
While the Ground Advantage increase is smaller than last year’s holiday bump, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express rates will rise more than they did during the 2024 peak season. USPS has stated the higher rates are intended to offset the additional handling costs of the holidays and to keep pricing competitive in the market. The agency projects about $99.5 million in additional revenue from these temporary adjustments.
FedEx has already published its 2025 peak season surcharges, while UPS has not yet announced holiday pricing changes.
If Q4 is your busiest time of year, now is the best time to model scenarios and run cost comparisons across carriers. You will have more negotiating power, more lead time, and fewer surprises once the season begins.
Whether you’re fulfilling from a centralized DC or multiple regional hubs, a few strategic changes now can set you up for smoother, more cost-effective shipping through peak season.
✅ Reevaluate your carrier mix. A multi-carrier setup allows for more flexibility, more leverage in negotiations, and fewer bottlenecks during busy weeks.
✅ Audit packaging and DIM weight exposure. Many brands unknowingly pay dimensional charges on packages that could be resized or optimized. If your parcels are light but large, you’re likely overpaying.
✅ Stay ahead of international risks. If you ship overseas, monitor de minimis rules, customs fees, and documentation requirements. Better yet, build flexibility into your routing and fulfillment to adapt quickly.
✅ Track surcharges, not just base rates. The majority of cost creep in 2025 is coming from fees, not published rates. A surcharge audit can uncover real savings opportunities.
✅ Get a second opinion. If you haven’t benchmarked your rates or policies in the past 6 to 12 months, a quick review could reveal untapped opportunities. This is especially true if you’ve grown or added SKUs.
At Global Logistics Inc. (GLI), we’re more than just a logistics provider. We’re your partner in long-term shipping strategy.
We work across all major parcel carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, and across all freight modes from LTL to international ocean. Whether you're a fast-growing DTC brand or a seasoned manufacturer, we help you stay competitive and confident in your logistics.
Need a second opinion on your parcel program? We offer a no-cost shipping analysis to uncover savings opportunities and identify smarter ways to ship. Let’s take a fresh look at your parcel strategy and reach out to us today.