Peak Season Alert: UPS, FedEx, DHL Demand Surcharges for 2025

The holiday rush is almost here, and major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL have announced demand surcharges to manage increased shipping volumes and maintain operations. ShipSaving has summarized the details for 2025, so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises.

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UPS Demand Surcharges

Effective September 28, 2025

UPS will apply a Demand Surcharge to the following:

• UPS Air: UPS Next Day Air®, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.®, UPS 2nd Day Air®, and UPS 3 Day Select®
• UPS® Ground and  UPS Ground Saver®
• Packages requiring Additional Handling², Large Packages², or Over Maximum Limits (for all U.S. domestic, import, and export shipments).

1. UPS Air includes UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select.
2. As described in the UPS Rate and Service Guide and the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service.

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FedEx Demand Surcharges

Effective September 29, 2025 FedEx will apply surcharges across multiple service levels during three periods:

1. Sept. 29 – Nov. 23, 2025
2. Nov. 24 – Dec. 28, 2025
3. Dec. 29, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026

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Additional Residential Delivery Charge

In addition to these surcharges, FedEx will also apply a Residential Delivery Charge for high-volume shippers. This applies to enterprise customers who ship more than 20,000 residential and FedEx Ground Economy packages (U.S. domestic) within a calculation week.

• Surcharge amount: Between $1.55 and $8.75 per package
• Application period: Oct. 27, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026
• Excludes: FedEx One Rate packages

Once the 20,000-package threshold is met in a calculation week, the surcharge will apply for the corresponding week.

View the full details are available on FedEx’s official page: FedEx Demand Surcharges.

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DHL

Effective October 1, 2025 – February 16, 2026

DHL will apply surcharges in USD per kg/lb, depending on the shipment origin and destination. A fuel surcharge will also apply.

The charges cover International Time Definite services, including:

• DHL Express Worldwide
• DHL Express 12:00
• DHL Express 10:30
• DHL Express 9:00
• DHL Express Envelope
• DHL Express Breakbulk

(Including Import and 3rd Country equivalents from the Americas to other destinations.)

International Time Definite (in kg)

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International Time Definite (in lb)

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Strategic Preparation for Peak Season

Strategic preparation is essential to keeping shipping costs under control during the holiday rush. ShipSaving recommends the following practices to stay competitive:

• ‍Review your shipping practices: Take a close look at how you package orders, especially during peak season. Using the right-sized boxes, minimizing empty space, and selecting lighter materials can help you avoid oversized package fees and additional handling surcharges.
• ‍Compare multiple carriers: Each carrier sets different demand surcharges. Instead of checking rates manually across carrier sites, use ShipSaving’s real-time rate comparison tool. Enter the ship-from/ship-to address, package dimensions, and weight to instantly see the most cost-effective option.
• ‍Keep customers informed: Transparency builds trust. Communicate clearly about potential holiday delays or surcharges so customers know what to expect.

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Final Words

Although these surcharges will increase shipping expenses during the holiday season, ShipSaving can help your business keep costs under control. By using ShipSaving, you can save up to 85% off on UPS rates, as much as 90% off on FedEx rates, and up to 88% off on DHL Express rates.

With ShipSaving, you’ll stay competitive and protect your margins even during the busiest shipping months. Sign up for ShipSaving today and make this peak season your most efficient yet.

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