July 2026 Rate Case Preview – What we know so far!

Early indicators for the July 2026 USPS rate case point to one of the more structurally significant changes in recent years. Our teams are already actively As we look ahead to the upcoming July 2026 USPS rate case, there is already a significant amount of detail available—far more than is typical at this stage in the cycle. While this provides valuable early insight into the direction of pricing, sortation, and structural changes, it is important to note that all proposals remain preliminary.

These changes must still be formally filed with and approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) prior to implementation. As a result, elements outlined below are subject to revision as part of the regulatory review process.

That said, the level of development behind these proposals offers a strong indication of where USPS is heading. Below is a summary of what we know so far and what mailers should begin preparing for as we approach July.

July 2026: March update for upcoming changes in July

ADC Sortation and Rate Removal

• ADC rates, sortations, and entry point discounts will removed from all classes, shapes, container, and bundle levels. Where it did not already exist, an SCF level will be added to sortations. Nearly all SCF sortations will now be rated at the 3 digit level.
• As with the NDC removal last July, the Mixed ADC level will be converted to a standardized “Mixed” level, removing labeling list requirements on tags and placards for these sortations. (final list pending)

NDC Removal

• Finalized the removal of NDC rates, sortations, and entry point discounts for remaining USPS products. Most of this removal began last July and excluded Marketing Mail Parcels.
• Labeling lists supporting NDC, ASF, and Mixed NDC sortations will be removed (final list pending).

Periodical Outside-County Rate Restructure

• Bundle, Tray, Sack, and Pallet charges will be removed
• SCF Pallet and Direct Container discounts (similar to those in Marketing Mail) will be added to Periodical Flats

Heavy Printed Matter added as a new USPS product

• Originally meant to replace BPM, HPM will look to offer more enticing pricing for non-fulfillment products that would have been previously shipped with BPM flats or BPM parcels.
• BPM will still be available for use as a USPS product and supported within BCC Software products
• BPM rate structures will be adjusted to remove the pound pricing

Marketing Mail Flats Changes

• Expanding weights from 16 ounces to 20 ounces for all flats, and up to 24 ounces for Carrier Route Flats
• Removing bundling for flats in flat trays (AKA flat tubs)

Promotions for 2027 have been hinted at but details are slowly trickling out

• Impact Messaging and Direct Mail Discovery will be added in 2027
• Catalog Insights and Continuous Contact will not be renewed
• Catalog Incentive will return in July with the planned expiration of Catalog Insights

Questions?

If you have any questions about the upcoming July 2026 Rate Case changes, please contact marketing@bccsoftware.com so we can forward your questions to the right people. More to come in April when we have another round of Rate Case updates.