USPS Considering Creation of a Fuel Surcharge
October 22, 2026
The Postal Service is considering a new Fuel Surcharge designed to be separate from all other charges, including postage, extra services, and fees.
The surcharge aims to offset transportation cost fluctuations related to diesel and jet fuel prices by automatically calculating a weekly percentage-based fee.
This fee will be applied to a dynamic list of specified products across all acceptance channels.
Summary of Application Impacts
- Online Reporting: Yes – Reporting will be updated to include the fuel surcharge rate.
- Data Feeds: Yes – Data will be updated to reflect the addition of fuel surcharge data.
- Postage Statement, SKU Changes, and Notice 123: Yes - PS Forms 3600-FCM, 3600-PM, 3605-R will be updated to reflect the addition of the new fuel surcharge line.
- Mail.dat changes: Yes, Mail.dat will be updated to support the fuel surcharge fee.
- Mail.XML changes: Yes, Mail.XML will be updated to support the fuel surcharge fee.
- Shipping Services File (SSF) Changes: Yes – The rate ingredients will be updated to align with the proposed changes.
- Indicium Creation Record (ICR) File: Yes – The rate ingredients will be updated to align with the proposed changes.
- USPS API: Yes – USPS API will be updated to align with the fuel surcharge rate.
