USPS July 2026 Changes: New HAZMAT Fees, DIM Weight, and Ground Advantage Updates Explained
Starting July 12, 2026, USPS is rolling out several changes that could impact both shipping costs and compliance requirements for ecommerce businesses. The biggest changes include: A new $7.50 HAZMAT handling surcharge for qualifying Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express shipments. A new $50 HAZMAT noncompliance assessment charge for shipments that contain hazardous materials but are not properly declared, labeled, or prepared. A new $3 dimension noncompliance fee for certain commercial parcels with missing or inaccurate dimensions. Changes to USPS Ground Advantage commercial sub-pound pricing, including the removal of 4 oz–12 oz tiers. A new dimensional weight (DIM) divisor, changing from 166 to 139, that may increase costs for lightweight, bulky packages. A $200 oversize / overweight item fee for certain nonmailable items that exceed USPS maximum weight or size limits and are found in the postal network.