As we step into 2025, shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have introduced updated surcharges that could impact shipping costs for businesses and individuals alike. These changes reflect adjustments in fuel costs, labor dynamics, and operational complexities. Staying informed about these surcharges is essential to accurately manage shipping budgets and avoid unexpected fees. In this article, weâll break down the key surcharges for each carrier and offer insights to help you navigate these changes effectively.
Non-Standard  Package Dimensions
(except  First Class and Media Mail) Â
We strongly recommend entering accurate dimensions and weight for the system to  provide the most accurate estimated shipping cost. An adjustment would be  charged back to your account if the USPS audited dimensions and weight are  different from the entered ones.   Â
Oversize/Overweight - $100
Dimensional Weight Rule
Additional Handling fee
Address Correction - $24.00
This  includes if the shipper provides an incomplete, incorrect or P.O. box  recipient address, FedEx may attempt to determine the correct address,  complete delivery and notify the shipper of the address correction.
Oversize Charge
Ground Unauthorized Package Charge - $1,325.00
Pick Up Fee
*If you hand your package to the delivery driver, it will consider within the pick up fee as well.
Residential Surcharge - $5.95
The fee for delivering to a residential area or non-business area. (If you check the box for residential at ShipSaving platform, the listed price will automatically include this fee)
Delivery Area Surcharge
A delivery area surcharge, $6.20-$14.50, applies to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments destined for areas in Alaska and Hawaii or else, that are remote, sparsely populated or geographically difficult to access, even California or New York zip codes might apply this surcharge too.
Delivery and Returns Surcharge - Effective January 17, 2022
FedEx GroundÂŽ Economy(SmartPost)
A $1.10 per-package Delivery and Returns Surcharge will be assessed on packages that are delivered or returned using FedEx Ground Economy services.
Delivery Area Surcharge
FedEx GroundÂŽ Economy (SmartPost)
  A  delivery area surcharge depends on zip codes.
Non-Machinable Surcharge - $6.55
FedEx GroundÂŽ Economy (SmartPost)
Peak Surcharge
Go to fedex.com/peak-surcharge for information on peak surcharges in effect, including applicable services, surcharge amounts and effective dates.
Additional Handling fee
Additional Handling Fee (AHS) will be applied when the package didnât meet the UPS qualifications. The fee will be determined by the UPS distribution center and the measurements from there. The possible reasons for this charge is included, but not limited to the ones listed below:
Address Correction - $23.50
This includes if the shipper provides an incomplete, incorrect or P.O. box recipient address, UPS may attempt to determine the correct address, complete delivery and notify the shipper of the address correction.
Large Package Surcharge
Prohibited Item - $300.00
Shipments that are tendered to UPS in contravention of or not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or UPSâs terms and conditions of service or contractual service (including, but not limited to, prohibited shipments or shipments that UPS does not accept or regularly provide service for without an exception, e.g. dangerous goods and hazardous materials) are subject to a fee of US$300 per package.
This fee is without prejudice and in addition to the shipperâs responsibility for all other sums that UPS may incur and claims against UPS resulting from the contravention or non-compliance.
Oversized Pallet Handling Surcharge - $1,325.00
Residential Surcharge - $6.10
The fee for delivering to a residential area or non-business area. (If you check the box for residential at ShipSaving platform, the listed price will automatically include this fee).
Delivery Area /Remote Area Surcharge
A delivery area surcharge, $4-$30, applies to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments destined for areas in Alaska and Hawaii or else, that are remote, sparsely populated or geographically difficult to access, even California or New York zip codes might apply this surcharge too.
SurePost Discount Disqualified
(Could cause OVER $30 surcharge)
When using SurePost service, customer has to put very ACCURATE dimensions and weight. If the package is over 12 lb BILLABLE weight, then the package will be disqualified for the discount and customer will pay for the original price of this shipment.
Shipping Charge Correction
Audit Fee - $1.25 per package
An audit fee will be assessed when the average shipping charge correction for that package is greater than $2.00 subject to a shipping charge correction
Missing PLD Fee - $4.40 per package
A processing fee will be charged when the shipper does not provide all applicable Package Level Detail (PLD) information to UPS prior to delivery.
Peak Surcharge
Go to ups.com/peaksurcharges for information on peak surcharges in effect, including applicable services, surcharge amounts and effective dates.
Address Correction - $22.50
This includes if the shipper provides an incomplete, incorrect recipient address, DHL may attempt to determine the correct address, complete delivery and notify the shipper of the address correction.
Remote Area
$0.50 USD per lb. (or half kg.) with a $50 minimum
This surcharge is applied when a shipment is delivered to a location that is distant or difficult to serve.
Data Entry - $6.50
This fixed surcharge applies for each shipment consigned with non-electronic, paper based manual waybills. Electronic shipping documentation incurs no additional charges.
Fuel Surcharge
(% of transportation and additional charges)
This surcharge is applied to weight charge of each shipment and any transportation-related surcharges. Please visit dhl.com/fuelsurcharge to see the details.
Oversize Piece - $30.00
A fixed surcharge is applied to every piece, including a pallet, with a single dimension in excess of 40 inches for shipments originating in the U.S. and U.S. Territories (100 cm for shipments originating outside of the U.S. and U.S. Territories).
Overweight Piece - $100.00
A fixed surcharge is applied to every piece, including a pallet, that exceeds a scale or volumetric weight of 150 lbs for shipments originating in the U.S. and U.S. Territories (70 kg for shipments originating outside of the U.S. and U.S. Territories).
Non-Stackable Pallet - $335.00
This fixed surcharge is applied to every pallet within a shipment that cannot be stacked, either on request by the shipper, or because of its shape, content or packaging. This surcharge applies to domestic and international shipments.
Restricted Destination - $30.00
A surcharge will apply when shipping to a destination country that is subject to trade restrictions imposed by the UN Security Council. This charge will apply to all non-document shipments destined for the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
Elevated Risk - $30.00
A surcharge is applied when shipping to a destination country in which DHL is operating at elevated risk due to a continuous state of war, civil unrest or continuous threats from terrorism. This charge applies to all shipments destined for Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Niger, Syria and Yemen. This charge may apply in addition to either Restricted Destination or Exporter Validation.
Emergency Situation
This surcharge applies in exceptional cases when DHL is required to recover costs associated with temporary emergency situations beyond DHLâs control which could not be reasonably anticipated at the commencement of an agreement.
https://www.simplydhl.com/covid-19ess
Dim weight is calculated by:
For more information on carrier rate increases, please check:
