Friday, November 13, 2026
USPS recommends shipping price changes
The proposed adjustments would take effect on Jan. 17
The Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission, or PRC, to adjust prices on some domestic and international shipping service offerings.
Changes include raising domestic Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select prices by an average of 5.9 percent.
Pending favorable review by the PRC, the changes will go into effect on Jan. 17.
The Postal Service will also:
• Convert the 8 percent transportation-related price change implemented in April to a permanent 11 percent fuel surcharge;
• Adjust prices on address enhancement services, premium forwarding services and several competitive ancillary services;
• Raise prices for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service and International Priority Airmail by an average of 7.9 percent; and
• Introduce a new optional outbound proof-of-delivery service for Priority Mail International and expand USPS Delivered Duty Paid service to include International Priority Airmail.
More information can be found in the Postal Service’s Nov. 12 news release.
The complete USPS price filing can be found on the PRC website. Price tables are also available on the Postal Explorer website.
Off the Clock
This employee sets her sights high
A complaints and inquiry clerk recently scaled Mount Kilimanjaro — and she’s not done yet
My name is Mital Patel and I’m a complaints and inquiry clerk in Phoenix.
You can find me training to climb mountains when I’m not on the job. I have always enjoyed outdoor activities — especially hiking. I found comfort in connecting with nature after going through some rough times in my life, so I started hiking more.
I began training for climbs in 2022, starting with the highest point in Arizona: Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff. My friend Charan became my hiking partner in 2024, and we climbed Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in 2025.
We both wanted a new challenge, so we decided on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
We had to train hard for that.
It took us seven days to complete the climb, and after reaching base camp, it became extremely difficult. We struggled with altitude and exhaustion.
Our guides encouraged us, understood our limits and gave us the confidence to continue when we felt like giving up.
The summit night was freezing, with temperatures dropping below zero. We had to wear several layers of warm clothing and heavy jackets.
The cold, exhaustion and high altitude made the final climb even more challenging, but reaching the summit made it all worthwhile. I realized that reaching the summit was not just about physical strength but about mental determination and having someone who believed in me.
Without the help of the amazing crew, I don’t think we would have made it to the top.
Charan recently mentioned that she had a new goal for us. She didn’t say what it would be, but I know it will take two years of work to get there. I’m guessing it is Mount Everest base camp.
“Off the Clock,” a column on Postal Service employees and their after-hours pursuits, appears regularly in Link.
A free tool compares health plans
Employees can use Checkbook’s guide to find the best options for them
Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Postal Service Health Benefits Plans allows employees to review and compare their options during open season.
This online tool is easy to use and provides detailed information on all plans available through the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, or PSHB.
Employees can explore key details such as the plans available through PSHB, Medicare and Medicare Advantage; copays; deductibles; prescription drug costs; and whether dental and vision benefits are included in specific plans.
The guide is available free to all employees through the Open Season Enrollment page on MyHR.
Employees and retirees can also access the tool for free through KeepingPosted.org.
Open season, the annual period when employees can review, enroll or make changes to their health coverage, began Nov. 9, and will conclude on Monday, Dec. 14.
Additional coverage can be found on Link’s Open Season 2026 page.
News Quiz
This stamp’s mission roars
What do you know about the Save Vanishing Species semipostal?
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end.
1. What type of big cat is featured on the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp?
a) Amur tiger
b) Bengal tiger
c) Puma
d) Snow leopard
2. What scene was depicted on the first stamp that the Postal Service issued to celebrate Native Americans?
a) Constructing canoes
b) Gathering medicinal herbs
c) Hunting buffalo
d) Planting corn
3. How many USPS employees are currently serving in the military or are former members of the armed forces?
a) 38,000
b) 43,000
c) 59,000
d) 65,000
4. Which of the following is not a possible consequence for violating the Hatch Act?
a) Ban from federal employment
b) Civil fine
c) Community service
d) Suspension
5. What caused the customer’s injury that prompted Millington, NJ, City Carrier Assistant Eleanor Gould to stop her route and provide care?
a) The customer suffered a stroke.
b) The customer tripped over a curb.
c) The customer was attacked by bees.
d) The customer was bitten by a dog.
Answers: 1) a. 2) c. 3) d. 4) c. 5) b.
These online tools can help employees with finances
The Postal Service is reminding employees that online calculators are available to help estimate costs, coverage and future savings during open season and throughout the year.
Employees can use calculators to:
• Estimate retirement savings with the Thrift Savings Plan tools;
• Determine life insurance value and premiums with the Federal Group Life Insurance tool; and
• Project retirement income using the Federal Ballpark E$timate tool.
The Financial Wellness page on MyHR has more resources.
Additional coverage can be found on Link’s Open Season 2026 page.
Postal Bulletin covers America Recycles Day
Postal Bulletin’s latest edition, published Nov. 12, focuses on America Recycles Day, which is Sunday, Nov. 15, and details the Postal Service’s National Recycling Operation.
Updates to the organization’s policies, procedures and forms are also included.
Employees can go to usps.com to read and download the latest Postal Bulletin, along with past issues.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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USPS recommends shipping price changes
The proposed adjustments would take effect on Jan. 17
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Off the Clock
This employee sets her sights high
A complaints and inquiry clerk recently scaled Mount Kilimanjaro — and she’s not done yet
-
A free tool compares health plans
Employees can use Checkbook’s guide to find the best options for them
-
News Quiz
This stamp’s mission roars
What do you know about the Save Vanishing Species semipostal?
-
Brief
These online tools can help employees with finances
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Brief
Postal Bulletin covers America Recycles Day