The FedEx unauthorized package charge is a fee rarely seen by shippers, but when it appears a shipper will take action immediately! FedEx recently announced general changes to surcharges on unauthorized shipments and packages that require additional handling. Generally, FedEx announces these fees increases in September each year and they go into effect at the beginning of the year. FedEx unauthorized and additional handling fees go about 20% per year but have also doubled.
What is a Ground Unauthorized Package?
- Any package measuring more than 108 inches in length.
- A shipment measuring more than 165 inches in length and girth combined.
- Any package weighing more than 150 lbs.
These packages are unauthorized and may be refused or returned to the shipper. However, at FedEx Ground’s sole discretion, they may accept and deliver the package. This fee only applies to US and international ground services. We see many of these charges on FedEx invoices, our reports can identify each time these affect your shipments.
Historical Ground Unauthorized Package Charge
- 2015: $57.50 per package
- 2016: $110 per package
- 2017: $115 per package
- 2018: $300 per package
- 2019: $675 per package
- 2020: $875 per package
Peak season charge increases
Effective October 21, 2019, through January 5, 2020, the FedEx unauthorized package charge will increase. The increase is $435 per package for a total cost of $1110 total. If we see the same increase in 2020, the total cost for this charge will be $1310.
How to lower FedEx unauthorized package charges
These FedEx unauthorized package charges belong in the LTL network, not small parcel. Many e-commerce companies have been shipping these larger packages with small parcel since it requires no additional effort, special documentation or another pickup. FedEx unauthorized and additional handling fees are real and can quickly overtake your shipping spend.
LTL delivery of packages this size might take a few minutes extra but will be cheaper than a $650 additional fee. In short, if you want to learn more about shipping large packages correctly, check out Freight Retriever. It is our freight rate shopping tool will allow you to use LTL with little additional effort.
