The United States Postal Service “Delivering for America” plan is bringing significant changes to how we all handle mail, particularly as we look toward the busy fall and holiday seasons. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know regarding the July 12,2026 updates.

The Numbers: Budgeting for the Increase
For the first time in several years, the USPS opted out of a January rate hike for “Market Dominant” products, but that catch-up is arriving in July. For your budgeting and projections, we recommend using the following average percentage increases:

First-Class Mail 5 – 5.5%
This includes a likely 2-3 cent increase on the 1 oz stamp
Marketing Mail 5 – 6%
Varies by entry point and density
Nonprofit Mail 5%
Nonprofits still have major discounts, but base rates will rise
Shipping Services 6 – 8%
Includes Ground Advantage and Priority Mail

New Delivery Standards: The “Houston Hub” Factor
The USPS is shifting its focus from air transportation to a more robust ground network. For the Houston metropolitan delivery area, this means a shift in “turnaround” expectations. For mail originating and destinating within the, Houston area (intra-RPDC), the standard is moving toward a 2-to-3-day window. Under the new 2026 guidelines, First-Class Mail originating from ZIP codes within 50 miles of a Regional Processing & Distribution Center (RPDC) will generally maintain a 2-day standard. If the distance exceeds 50 miles, expect it to move to a 3-day standard.

While Marketing Mail is often “end-to-end” ground, the consolidation of sorting centers means you should add a 2-day safety buffer to your traditional delivery estimates for any mail traveling outside the immediate Houston area.

Beating the Holiday & Election Rush
2026 is a midterm election year. Between the July rate increase and the October/November political surge, the “window of opportunity” for retail and nonprofit mailers is shifting. Aim to drop your major fall campaigns in late August or September. You’ll beat the heaviest of the election mail while securing the lower (pre-holiday) shipping surcharges.

Use Data to Lower Costs
With rates rising, list hygiene is your best friend. Every “undeliverable” piece is now more expensive. Let us run your lists through NCOA and Deceased Suppression now so you aren’t paying the new higher rates on bad data.

Navigating postal regulations is what we’ve done best for 77 years. If you would like a specific quote reflecting the new July rates for an upcoming project, please reach out to your account executive. We’ll help you find the best way to maximize your reach while minimizing the impact of these changes.