2025 Peak Season Shipping Surcharges: What UPS & FedEx Customers Need to Know

As we approach the year-end peak shopping season, UPS and FedEx have released their updated Peak/Demand Surcharge schedules for 2025. These surcharges will impact e-commerce sellers, wholesalers, and businesses shipping large volumes during Q4.Understanding these additional costs early will help you plan ahead and protect your margins.

FedEx 2025 Peak Season Surcharges

According to FedEx’s official notice, the following surcharges will apply from September 29, 2025 through January 18, 2026:

Additional Handling Surcharge

• Sept. 29 – Nov. 23: $8.25 per package
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 28: $10.90 per package
• Dec. 29 – Jan. 18: $8.25 per package

Oversize Charge

• Sept. 29 – Nov. 23: $90 per package
•  Nov. 24 – Dec. 28: $108.50 per package
•  Dec. 29 – Jan. 18: $90 per package

Ground Unauthorized Package Charge

•  Sept. 29 – Nov. 23: $490 per package
•  Nov. 24 – Dec. 28: $545 per package
•  Dec. 29 – Jan. 18: $490 per package

Additional surcharges also apply to FedEx Express, Ground, and Economy services, depending on the service level.

 [See the official FedEx Peak Surcharge page]

UPS 2025 Peak Season Surcharges

UPS has announced a similar surcharge plan, with slightly different effective dates and amounts:

Additional Handling Surcharge

• Sept. 28 – Nov. 22: $8.25 per package
• Nov. 23 – Dec. 27: $10.80 per package
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 17: $8.25 per package

Large Package Surcharge

• Sept. 28 – Nov. 22: $90.50 per package
• Nov. 23 – Dec. 27: $107.00 per package
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 17: $90.50 per package

Over Maximum Limits Charge

• Sept. 28 – Nov. 22: $485 per package
• Nov. 23 – Dec. 27: $540 per package
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 17: $485 per package

 [See the official UPS Peak Surcharge notice]

How to Reduce the Impact of Peak Season Costs

Here are some strategies businesses can use to minimize the effect of peak surcharges:

1. Ship early whenever possible – avoid the most expensive weeks in late November and December.

2. Optimize packaging – reduce oversize or overweight packages to avoid additional handling fees.

3. Compare carriers – take advantage of pricing differences between UPS, FedEx, and USPS.

4. Use discounted accounts – partner with a logistics provider to access better rates and save during peak season.

Our Recommendation

We provide discounted UPS, FedEx, and USPS shipping accounts to help businesses reduce shipping costs even during peak season. Contact us today to get access to lower rates and keep your profit margins healthy through the holidays