Overview of UPS Demand Surcharges
UPS Demand Surcharges apply to packages shipped during specific Demand Periods from September 27, 2026, through January 16, 2027. They cover packages requiring Additional Handling, Large Packages, and those Over Maximum Limits for all U.S. domestic shipments. For example, Additional Handling surcharges range from $8.75 to $11.90 per package depending on the period.
Surcharges also apply to UPS Air, UPS Ground Residential, and UPS Ground Saver packages with fees varying by service level and Demand Period. Shippers should check ups.com/peaksurcharge for updates before shipping as these surcharges are subject to change.
Demand Surcharges for High Volume Shippers
Customers shipping more than 20,000 packages in any week after October 2025 are subject to a higher volume surcharge schedule. This schedule bases surcharges on weekly shipment volume as a percentage of a Baseline volume, defined as the average weekly volume for June 2026 or, if lower, the average weekly volume from late August to late September 2026.
The surcharge amount for each service level in a week is the highest applicable rate based on the volume percentage. This applies to UPS Ground Saver, UPS Ground Residential, UPS Next Day Air Residential, and other UPS Air Residential packages during the Demand Periods.
Specific Surcharge Amounts by Service Level and Period
Surcharge amounts vary by service level and Demand Period. For example, from October 25 through November 21, 2026, UPS Ground Saver and UPS Ground Residential packages incur a surcharge of $0.50 per package, increasing to $0.75 per package from November 22 through December 26, 2026, and returning to $0.50 per package from December 27, 2026, through January 16, 2027.
Higher volume shippers face surcharges ranging from $0.50 to $8.00 per package for UPS Ground Saver and UPS Ground Residential, and from $1.35 to $9.35 per package for UPS Next Day Air Residential and other UPS Air Residential services, depending on volume percentage relative to Baseline. Commercial air packages have a flat surcharge of $1.35 or $2.50 per package depending on the period.
Implications for Shippers
Shippers should monitor their weekly shipment volumes relative to their Baseline to anticipate applicable Demand Surcharges. High volume shippers may incur significantly higher surcharges during peak Demand Periods, especially if their volume exceeds 105% of their Baseline.
Understanding the surcharge schedule and Demand Periods allows shippers to manage costs by adjusting shipment volumes or service levels where possible. Since Demand Surcharges are in addition to other charges and subject to change, regular review of UPS updates is recommended.
Official references
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Prepared automatically from official sources with citation checks and an automated factual review. Examples explain the concept. Consult the applicable service guide and agreement for your shipment.