USPS Revises Nonstandard Fees for Package Compliance

Published: 12/30/2025
USPS Non-Standard Fees Package Packaging
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is expanding non-standard fees, impacting cylindrical, oddly shaped, and large liquid-filled packages. This new rule affects various services, including Priority Mail Express. To mitigate increased shipping costs, it's recommended to optimize package design, adjust container selection, and reduce package dimensions and weight. Choosing the most appropriate shipping service can also help minimize expenses. Businesses and individuals should review their packaging strategies to comply with the new regulations and avoid unexpected fees.
USPS Revises Nonstandard Fees for Package Compliance

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is introducing revised surcharge criteria for irregularly shaped or sized packages, aiming to streamline processing operations and improve overall service efficiency. Understanding these changes and adapting packaging strategies will help shippers avoid unnecessary additional fees.

Which Packages Will Be Affected?

The updated non-standard fees primarily target these categories of unusually shaped or constructed parcels:

  • Rollable items: Includes cylindrical tubes, rolled materials, and any objects that may shift during transit. Such packages frequently cause processing bottlenecks in sorting facilities.
  • Special-material containers: Packages constructed from rigid materials like metal tins, wooden crates, or similar containers that may damage automated sorting equipment or require manual handling.
  • High-volume liquid shipments: Glass containers holding more than 24 fluid ounces or metal/plastic vessels containing over 1 gallon of liquid. These present elevated leakage risks during transportation.

Affected USPS Services

The surcharge adjustments will apply to these major USPS shipping options:

  • Priority Mail Express
  • Priority Mail
  • USPS Ground Advantage
  • USPS Connect Local
  • Parcel Select

Strategies to Minimize Shipping Costs

Businesses and individual shippers can implement these measures to maintain cost-effective shipping:

  • Redesign packaging: Avoid cylindrical or irregular shapes. Select materials that maintain structural stability and prevent movement during transit.
  • Modify container selection: For liquid products, consider smaller containers or more durable packaging solutions that meet safety requirements.
  • Reduce dimensional weight: Minimize package size and weight while ensuring product protection to qualify for standard rates.
  • Service selection: Compare USPS service tiers and pricing structures to identify the most economical option for each shipment profile.

Proactive adaptation to these policy changes will help shippers maintain cost efficiency while ensuring reliable package delivery through the USPS network.

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