USPS dimensional reporting requirements may expand to include smaller packages starting July 12, 2026. The change could expose more shippers to noncompliance fees if they fail to include accurate length, width, and height measurements, according to a Federal Register notice published January 8.
Understanding the new USPS dimensional reporting requirements
Currently, a Postal Service manifest requires accurate parcel dimensions for certain shipping services only when a parcel's size exceeds 1 cubic foot or 22 inches in length. A $1.50 dimension noncompliance fee applies to shipments of that size that fail to include dimension information. The requirement applies to commercial Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select services.
How USPS dimension requirements are changing
The Postal Service is proposing to remove the size threshold starting July 12, 2026, meaning accurate length, width and height dimensions would always be required in the manifest for parcels of any size using those services, according to the Federal Register notice. An exception would apply for flat rate-priced pieces and USPS returns volume.
"Failure to comply with the expanded requirement would continue to subject the parcel to the Dimension Noncompliance Fee," the notice states.
Who will be most affected
The expected impact of the planned rule change is unclear, as many larger-scale USPS shippers are already collecting the full dimensional information of every parcel they handle, according to Carlos Barbosa, VP of e-commerce solutions at ePost Global, in an interview with Supply Chain Dive.
Vulnerable shipper groups
"This is going to impact anybody that's printing a label and going straight themselves to USPS without ," Barbosa told Supply Chain Dive.
One potentially vulnerable group is businesses that generate USPS labels from shipping platforms and don't have the proper systems or partners to capture package dimensions. These shippers may currently fall under the 1 cubic foot threshold and haven't needed to provide dimensional data.
How shippers can respond
Affected shippers have several options to avoid the $1.50 noncompliance fee per package, according to Barbosa's comments in the article:
Adjust internal operations
Shippers can simply adjust their operations to measure dimensions for all packages before shipping. This ensures compliance with the new requirement.
Move volume to alternative carriers
Some shippers may opt to move volume to carriers that don't have dimensional measurement requirements, though this strategy may be limited as dimensional pricing becomes standard across the industry.
Why carriers are tightening requirements
Charges related to package dimensions can sting a shipper's bottom line if left unchecked, the article notes. As carriers face increasing pressure to optimize space utilization in delivery vehicles and aircraft, dimensional pricing and enforcement have become critical tools for managing costs and improving network efficiency.
For questions about navigating this change or implementing dimensional capture systems, businesses can contact ePost Global's team for guidance on multi-carrier compliance strategies.
Frequently asked questions about USPS dimensional reporting requirements
The proposed USPS dimensional reporting expansion is scheduled to take effect on July 12, 2026, pending the conclusion of a public comment period that runs through February 9, 2026.
What is the USPS dimension noncompliance fee?
USPS currently charges a $1.50 dimension noncompliance fee for packages over 1 cubic foot or 22 inches in length that don't include accurate dimensional data. Under the proposed rule, this fee would apply to packages of any size.
Which USPS services are affected by the dimensional reporting requirement?
The requirement applies to commercial Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select services. Flat rate-priced pieces and USPS returns volume are exempt.
Do I need special equipment to comply with USPS dimensional requirements?
While not mandatory, many high-volume shippers use automated measurement systems or work with partners who have dimensional capture capabilities. Small businesses printing labels individually will need to measure packages manually or consider alternative solutions.
What is dimensional weight pricing?
Dimensional weight pricing is a shipping industry practice where carriers charge based on package size (length × width × height) rather than just actual weight, particularly for lightweight but bulky items. USPS's expanded reporting requirement is separate from dimensional weight pricing but provides carriers with the data needed to apply it.
Will other carriers follow USPS with similar changes?
UPS and FedEx already have comprehensive dimensional weight pricing and reporting requirements in place. The article notes that carriers across the industry continue tightening dimensional enforcement, making this a broader industry trend.
