Important Shipping Updates from UPS and FedEx: What You Need to Know This August

As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, both UPS and FedEx have announced important changes that may impact your shipping costs and strategy. These updates take effect in mid-August 2025 and pertain specifically to package size handling and surcharge criteria. Below is a summary of the key changes and how they could affect your business:

UPS to Update Large Package and Additional Handling Rules (Effective August 17, 2025)

According to the official UPS announcement, two major surcharge rules will be revised:

1. Large Package Surcharge

Previous Criteria:
A package is subject to a surcharge if: 
Length > 96 inches, or Length + (2 × Width) + (2 × Height) > 130 inches

New Criteria (Effective August 17):
A package will now trigger the surcharge if:
Length > 96 inches, or Actual Weight > 110 lbs, or Volume (Length × Width × Height) > 17,280 cubic inches

This new condition introduces weight and volume thresholds in addition to linear dimensions, broadening the scope of what may be considered a “large package.”

2. Domestic Additional Handling Charge

Previous Criteria:
Length + (2 × Width) + (2 × Height) > 105 inches

New Criteria:
Volume (Length × Width × Height) > 8,640 cubic inches

This change simplifies the surcharge condition to a volume-based trigger, which could affect many packages previously exempt from the additional handling fee.
[UPS Official Notice](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-costs-rates)

FedEx to Round Up All Package Dimensions (Effective August 18, 2025)

FedEx has also announced a major change in the way package dimensions will be measured and billed.

New Policy:
All measured dimensions (Length, Width, Height) will be rounded up to the next whole inch, no matter how small the fraction.
Example: A package measuring 10.1 inches will now be billed as 11 inches.

While this may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on dimensional weight calculations, especially for lightweight, bulky items.

What Does This Mean For You?

These updates from both carriers could lead to:

• Higher shipping costs for packages near surcharge or dimensional weight thresholds
• The need for re-evaluation of packaging strategies
• Increased importance of accurate pre-shipment measurement and rate quoting

How Can We Help?

At Goodship Supply Chain, we stay on top of industry changes so you don’t have to. Our logistics experts can:
Analyze your packaging methods to help reduce surcharges
Provide tailored shipping solutions across UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, UNIUNI, GOFO, LTL, and FTL trucking services.
Offer real-time quoting tools and transparent pricing
Need help adapting to these changes? [Contact us today]for a free consultation.

Stay informed. Ship smarter.
Goodship Supply Chain – Your Reliable China–USA Logistics Partner.