USPS® Rate and Service Update
Summary: The United States Postal Service announced updates to rates and services effective July 12, 2026. Key updates include no rate increases for eBay Labels for packages under one pound and reductions in Media Mail rates by 1.8%. There are changes in dimensional weight calculations, including a new divisor and rounding logic. A handling fee for hazardous materials of $7.50 and a $50 noncompliance fee have been introduced. Maximum dimensions for cubic pricing are expanded, and sellers are reminded to update packaging appropriately.
The United States Postal Service has announced rate and service updates effective July 12, 2026. We’ve highlighted the updates to eBay Labels below.
Updates to USPS Mail & Shipping Service Pricing
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Ground Advantage: although USPS is changing how it prices packages under 1 lb, the good news is eBay Labels will continue to offer the same four weight tiers with no rate increases at this time. Rates for packages over 1 lb are also unchanged.
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Media Mail rates are decreasing by an average of 1.8%.
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Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express have no rate changes.
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eBay Standard Envelope updated rates are:
1 oz $0.78
2 oz $1.07
3 oz $1.36
Policy Updates: Hazmat Shipping & DIM Measurements
Dimensional Weight Updates: USPS is changing both the DIM divisor and the rounding logic to calculate dimensional weight. The DIM divisor is changing from 166 to 139 and measurements will be rounded up to the next whole number. Ground Advantage Cubic and Priority Mail Cubic will continue to round to the nearest quarter inch.
Example: A countertop blender ships in a carton measuring 16.4" × 12.4" × 9.4" and weighs 8 lbs.
Previous USPS rules: Dimensions rounded to the nearest whole inch (16" × 12" × 9"), resulting in a dimensional weight of 11 lbs. using the 166 DIM divisor.
Current USPS rules: Dimensions are rounded up (17" × 13" × 10"), resulting in a dimensional weight of 16 lbs. using the 139 DIM divisor.
Even though the blender weighs only 8 lbs., it is now rated at 16 lbs. because USPS charges the higher of the dimensional weight or the actual scale weight.
When using eBay Labels, be sure to enter accurate weight and dimensions and we’ll do the calculations for you.
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Hazmat Shipping Updates**
Handling Fee: A $7.50 fee per package will be charged for packages containing hazardous material for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express shipments.
Noncompliance Fee: A $50.00 fee per package will be charged for every package that does not meet USPS Hazmat requirements for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Ground Advantage shipments.
Reminder: When reusing packaging, ensure that any old markings, labels, barcodes, or shipping information that do not apply to the current shipment are completely removed or covered. To learn more, visit USPSDelivers.com
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Cubic pricing eligibility** is expanding, with the maximum allowable dimensions on any side increasing from 18 inches to 22 inches for both Priority Mail and Ground Advantage.
The eBay shipping calculator will update rates when the changes take effect.
As always, thank you for selling on eBay.
The eBay Shipping Team