Colorado Springs residents who rely on the U.S. Postal Service to send holiday packages next year could see higher shipping bills under a new rate proposal filed with federal regulators.

The Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for temporary package price increases during the 2026 holiday peak season. The temporary increases are intended to offset higher handling and operational costs during peak shipping demand.

The rate changes would go into effect Oct. 4 and remain in place until Jan. 17, 2027. The price increases would affect Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select shipments.

Most customers will experience single-digit to low double-digit percentage increases, according to USPS, with the steepest impacts likely hitting heavier packages traveling farther distances during peak season. Most of the changes appear to land in roughly the 5% to 15% range.

Heavy long-distance packages could see price increases of nearly 10% to 25%. Smaller Priority Mail packages will face a less steep increase of about 4% to 10%.

USPS says the temporary adjustment will bring prices for its retail and commercial customers in line with competitive practices. The filing is subject to review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, and it remains to be seen whether the commission will approve the proposed rate schedule as submitted.