FedEx demand surcharges were once reserved for the busiest shipping periods of the year. Today, they have become a more frequent part of the carrier’s pricing strategy. FedEx points to sustained shipping demand, higher operating costs, and continued growth in residential deliveries as the primary drivers behind these additional fees.
With another holiday peak season approaching, FedEx expects capacity constraints and elevated costs to continue, along with strong residential shipping volume into 2027. These demand surcharges represent a significant cost increase and are likely to affect virtually every business that ships with FedEx.
FedEx Demand Surcharges (Peak Season: Sept. 28 – Nov. 22, 2026)
| Demand — Additional Handling Surcharge | $8.80 per package |
| Demand — Oversize Charge | $95.75 per package |
| Demand — Ground Unauthorized Package Charge | $535 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – All Express Services (Starting October 27) | $1.30 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Residential & Home Delivery (Starting October 27) | $0.50 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Economy (Starting October 27) | $2.55 per package |
FedEx Demand Surcharges (Peak Season: Nov. 23 – Dec. 27, 2026)
| Demand — Additional Handling Surcharge | $11.85 per package |
| Demand — Oversize Charge | $117.25 per package |
| Demand — Ground Unauthorized Package Charge | $595 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – All Express Services | $2.35 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Residential & Home Delivery | $0.80 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Economy | $4.05 per package |
FedEx Demand Surcharges (Peak Season: Dec. 28, 2025 – Jan. 17, 2027)
| Demand — Additional Handling Surcharge | $8.80 per package |
| Demand — Oversize Charge | $95.75 per package |
| Demand — Ground Unauthorized Package Charge | $535 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – All Express Services | $1.30 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Residential & Home Delivery | $0.50 per package |
| Demand Surcharge – Ground Economy | $2.55 per package |
Historical FedEx Demand Peak Surcharge Costs
| Surcharge Name | Applicable Services | 2025 Surcharge Amount | 2024 Surcharge Amount | 2023 Surcharge Amount | 2022 Surcharge Amount | 2021 Surcharge Amount |
| Additional Handling Surcharge | U.S. Express & Ground | $10.90 | $10.00 | $6.95 | $6.55 | $5.95 |
| Ground Unauthorized Package Charge | U.S. Express & Ground | $545 | $500 | $410 | $385 | $350 |
| Oversize Charge | U.S. Express & Ground | $108.50 | $100 | $73.00 | $68.75 | $62.50 |
Peak Demand Oversize Charge
If you are unsure of an oversized charge, here is a refresher. A FedEx oversize is any package that:
- exceeds 96 inches in length, or
- 130 inches in length and girth
The length and girth are length + (2 times the height) +(2 times the width). Remember always to round up.
How can you lessen peak surcharges?
FedEx demand surcharges (aka FedEx peak surcharges ) will impact all FedEx shippers. However, these can be negated with enough preparation. Therefore, if you have any questions about these impacts, please do not hesitate to reach out. Refund Retriever understands the cost of logistics and transportation impact your bottom line. This includes analyzing data on surcharge usage or negotiating a new agreement with FedEx. We are always happy to help.
