As a reminder we are expecting to see the USPS price filing hit the PRC next week on Wednesday or Thursday. Once released GrayHair Software will begin the analysis of rate change impacts at various rate cell levels. We will have more news concerning the 2027 Promotion discounts proposed. Below is the current estimate as provided by USPS last week at the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee meeting. CPI-U 2.613%, Density 2.190% = 4.803%
FCM final additional claimed cap 0.3% = 5.10%, MM final additional claimed cap 0.6% = 5.4%
Below is the timeline: The first three have been completed.
- December 29th, 2025 – USPS published the Annual Compliance Determination Report (ACR)
- March 11th, 2026 – The February CPI-U will be announced. This is the last of the 12 month rolling average USPS can use. (2.631%)
- March 30th, 2026 – PRC will issue the Annual Compliance Determination Report. (ACD). USPS cannot file a price filing until this is published.
- Between April 1-9 (likely April 8th or 9th) – USPS will file for a July 2026 postage increase.
- April 10th, 2026 – The March CPI-U will be announced, the price filing must be filed prior to this date.
- Between May 1-12, 2026 – The PRC will open a docket and accept comments in this time period. They should only be addressed if USPS is compliant with the law.
- By May 25, 2026 – The PRC after their review will remand the price case back to USPS if not compliant, or will approve the proposal.
- July 12, 2026 – USPS plans to implement the Market Dominant Price change.
Deborah Damore is the Head of Postal Affairs at GrayHair Software, bringing over 20 years of expertise in the mailing and logistics market. She specializes in driving success and innovation through enterprise-wide mail management solutions for diverse sectors, including financial services, insurance, direct marketing, and nonprofits.
A dedicated industry advocate, Deborah champions the interests of mailers and shippers nationwide. Her commitment is demonstrated by her leadership roles, including serving as the Industry Co-Chair of the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) and holding board positions with PostCom and the NPPC. She presents regularly at NPF, PCCs, AIMs, and Industry Trade conferences.
Her downtime, while limited, is spent with her growing family, traveling, and reading a good book.
