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It can be hard to keep up with all the USPS service changes. But that’s exactly what we’re here for. In this month’s postal update, our in-house USPS experts share upcoming postage credits, pricing updates, and facility expansions – so you can plan ahead confidently.
The 2026 USPS Mail Growth Incentive just launched. USPS is giving a 30% postage credit for high-volume mailers that exceed their baseline mail volume from last year. This program is open to all organizations that exceed 1 million pieces of First-Class Mail or marketing mail annually.
If you currently mail 800,000+ pieces a year, this incentive could be a huge opportunity for you to boost the scope and cost efficiency of your direct mail campaigns. To join the program, make sure you have a valid Customer Registration ID (CRID) so you can register through the USPS Business Customer Gateway (BCG) Mailing Promotions Portal.
If you’ve used this program in the past, keep an eye out for an automated re-enrollment email. Be sure to sign up soon because the registration window closes May 31, 2026.
In our February Postal Briefing, we shared the Postal Regulatory Commission ruling about market-dominant products like First-Class letters, postcards and flats, marketing letters and flats, and periodicals returning to a single price increase per fiscal year through 2030. Well…that may not be the case after all.
Since our last update, the USPS filed an appeal. If approved, USPS will go back to twice-yearly increases (typically January and July) based on inflation and rate authority formulas.
No matter what happens, these USPS rate changes won’t break your campaigns. Proper planning and budgeting will continue to be your best bet against the unexpected.
Good news – as part of its $40 billion infrastructure transformation, USPS is improving workspaces, equipment, vehicles across the country. USPS plans to open around 300 more sorting and distribution centers (S&DCs) in the next few years, including seven new/expanded USPS S&DCs in March alone.
S&DCs are the last stop for mail and packages before they are sent to the carrier, playing a critical role in meeting USPS service standards for marketing mail and First-Class Mail delivery. When these centers improve, so do your campaigns. Larger, modernized facilities support direct mail automation – for faster delivery, better reliability, and easier planning. Especially when you’re sending high volumes of mail.
New and expanded S&DC locations coming in early 2026:
As you know, direct mail is always evolving. USPS continues to adjust pricing, expand facilities, and roll out incentives. Businesses that adapt to these changes bring greater predictability to their campaigns – delivering faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively – while protecting ROI.
Stay tuned for next month’s Postal Briefing.
FAQs about USPS changes March 2026
FAQs
How often does USPS raise rates?
USPS typically adjusts rates once or twice per year. Rate changes are currently on an annual schedule. We’'ll keep you posted as we hear about any upcoming USPS service changes.USPS service changes.
How will new sorting and delivery centers affect in-home delivery?
The new S&DCs are modernizing USPS operations, making mail delivery more efficient, intelligent, and consistent than ever before. The result? Predictable campaigns that meet marketing goals and direct mail compliance requirements.Predictable campaigns that meet marketing goals and direct mail compliance requirements.
How will the 2026 USPS mail growth incentive (MGI) benefit my mail program?
The 2026 USPS MGI program rewards high-volume businesses that increase direct mail volume each year. The postage credits help offset costs while making it easier to expand campaign reach and impact.expand campaign reach and impact.
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