UPS USPS Package Delivery Changes: What It Means for You

Packages arriving on time has always been a mix of excitement and anxiety—watching tracking updates and hoping nothing gets delayed.  

UPS and USPS teamed up to make this process smoother for years. On one side, UPS would handle most of the journey.  

whereas, on the other hand, USPS would take over for the “last mile,” delivering directly to your doorstep.  

This partnership worked especially well for remote or rural addresses, making sure even the trickiest deliveries got through. 

Now, that partnership is ending. The UPS USPS package delivery changes are set to reshape how millions of packages move across the country.  

Some deliveries might get faster! Some might cost a bit more! Or may be offer you certain delivery options, like PO Boxes, will no longer be available. 

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for you as a casual shopper, an online seller, or just someone who loves getting packages on time. 

So, What’s Actually Changing?

UPS has decided to end that partnership. That means the UPS USPS package delivery changes will affect how millions of packages move across the country. 

Instead of passing off packages to USPS, UPS plans to deliver more of them directly. USPS, meanwhile, loses a chunk of business it used to get from UPS. 

So, in short?  

1. USPS will no longer manage the last-mile delivery. Instead, UPS will complete all the deliveries while speeding up the overall transit times.  

2. There will be no more PO Box, APO, or FPO deliveries. Now that USPS is no longer in the game, these addresses will not be available under the SurePost.  

3. Pricing is increasing. The average price hike would be around 9.9%. 

4. There will be a huge impact on 31,000 ZIP codes. The very end of SurePost can strongly affect a substantial number of addresses across the United States. This leaves them with USPS as one of their only options for these destinations.  

Why Did UPS and USPS Call It Quits?

It sounds a little like a breakup, doesn’t it? “It’s not you, it’s me.” 

The truth is, UPS wants more control over its deliveries. With online shopping exploding and people expecting lightning-fast shipping, UPS doesn’t want to rely on another carrier to finish the job. 

On top of that, USPS has been raising its fees for last-mile deliveries. That made the partnership less attractive for UPS.  

The UPS package delivery changes due to the terminated USPS contract are really about money, speed, and control. 

How Does This Affect You (the Customer)?

Alright, here’s the part most of us care about—will this mess up my deliveries? 

1. Some Packages Might Come Faster

No more waiting for UPS to pass your box to USPS, and then waiting another day for USPS to deliver it. Fewer handoffs = quicker deliveries in many cases. 

2. But Some Shipping Costs Could Rise

USPS was often cheaper for those out-of-the-way deliveries. Without them, UPS might charge more for certain rural routes. 

UPS announced that the rate and surcharge increased in December 2024, and it further took effect on January 13, 2025.  

The price increase includes: 

• If your Surepost weighs 1-10 pounds, there will be a 9.9% rate increase.  

• As for the packages that weigh over 10 pounds, the increased rate will be around 6%.  

• There is also going to be a significant increase in both DAS (Delivery Area Surcharge) and EAS (Extended Area Surcharge).  

DAS (Delivery Area Surcharge) and EAS (Extended Area Surcharge) increases the rates at 61.8% and 69.4%, bringing them in line with UPS Ground surcharges. 

3. More Consistent Tracking

Ever been confused by those “in transit” updates when a package switched hands? That should happen less now since UPS will handle the whole trip. 

So, it’s not all bad news—there are trade-offs. 

What About Small Businesses and Online Sellers?

This is where the UPS USPS package delivery changes sting a little more. Let’s say you sell on Etsy, eBay, or run your own online shop!  

In that case, shipping is a big part of your business. Even small changes in cost or delivery times can make a difference to your customers. 

1. E-commerce sellers may have to adjust their shipping fees. 

2. Subscription box businesses (the kind that ship monthly goodies) might see costs go up. 

3. Rural-based sellers could feel it most since USPS used to be the affordable option for those tricky deliveries. 

If that’s you, it might be time to compare rates across different carriers—or even negotiate with UPS directly. 

What Happens to USPS Now?

Losing UPS volume won’t sink USPS, but it definitely stings. USPS has been under financial pressure for years, and this doesn’t help. 

But here’s the interesting part: USPS has been working hard on its own Ground Advantage service, which directly competes with UPS Ground.  

So, instead of being “the last-mile helper,” USPS is trying to stand tall as a full-on competitor. Weirdly, the split could make both carriers step up their game. 

Now, Do You Have Other Options?

Well, yes! Please do not feel thrilled about the UPS package delivery changes just because the contracts got terminated. You will always have some choices!  

First, we have FedEx on the list; they are more like a solid competitor that has its own solid network! 

Secondly, we have Amazon logistics on the list! If you mostly prefer shopping from Amazon, in that case, Amazon logistics can be a great option for you! 

What This Means for Everyday Life

Okay, let’s bring it down to real life. How will these UPS and USPS package delivery changes actually hit you day-to-day? 

• You might see packages arrive faster. That online order you got in a panic last minute? Chances are, it’ll get to you sooner. 

• You might pay more for certain deliveries, especially if you live in a rural area or order heavy items. 

• Tracking is simpler. Fewer confusing updates, more clarity on where your stuff is. 

• Your favorite subscription box might cost a little more. Not a huge deal, but noticeable over time. 

For the most part, this is one of those “slightly annoying but manageable” changes.  

Bottom Line

The UPS USPS package delivery changes are shaking things up, especially for rural deliveries and small businesses.  

Packages might arrive faster or costs could go up. However, the tracking should be simpler. USPS is moving into its own lane, and you’ve still got options like FedEx and Amazon. 

So yes, things are changing, but life will go on—and your packages will still make it to your doorstep. Maybe even quicker than before. 

It’s a good time to check your shipping habits, maybe compare rates, and be aware of changes if you run a small business.  

And for everyone else? You can just expect a smoother, slightly pricier delivery experience. 

In the end, it’s all about keeping your packages moving. Even if it is through UPS, USPS, or another carrier.  

I mean! Honestly, who doesn’t like faster tracking and a little extra control over where their packages go?

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