In 2011, United Parcel Service began charging more to handle oversized packages. Over maximum limit packages are heavier or larger than average, therefore costing UPS more to process internally. They are passing on the cost to the shippers and making more profit.
How much is the UPS over maximum charge?
- 2026: $1,875
- 2025: $1,775
- 2024: $1,250
- 2023: $1,150
- 2022: $1,025
What is a UPS Over Maximum Limit Charge?
In short, there are a few characteristics that ring this bell—packages with an actual weight of more than 150 pounds. Shipments exceeding 108 inches or a total of 165 inches in length plus girth are not accepted for transportation. So, if your package is not accepted for transportation, they will still ship it but tack on some charges. Therefore, let’s read the fine print from UPS.
- Packages with an actual weight of more than 150 pounds, or
- Shipments that exceed 108 inches in length, or
- Packages exceed a total of 165 inches in length plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined
UPS Over Maximum Limits: 2026 Daily Rate Charge
40.7 Over Maximum Limits Charge
Packages that exceed the weight or size restrictions outlined in UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions Section 3.1, Items Not Accepted for Transportation. These packages are subject to one or more additional charges: Over Maximum Weight, Over Maximum Length, or Over Maximum Size. In particular, these charges apply in addition to all other applicable charges.
Why is UPS Charging You More?
UPS over maximum limits charges are designed to discourage shippers from sending heavier products in the small parcel network. With the expansion of e-commerce, shoppers can now purchase products such as furniture, tires, and appliances with a simple click of a mouse. These products previously required professional delivery, but sellers have started using FedEx and UPS, and UPS now wants sellers to use freight networks for larger shipments.
“It’s not a revenue-generating charge, its something we have increased regularly over time to encourage customers to ship through the UPS Freight network for these over max items.”
UPS spokesman Glenn Zaccara via Reuters
Our Experience with the UPS Over Maximum Limits Charge
Our customer sent a ground shipment with initial dimensions of no more than 165 inches. The package was 50 x 50 x 7, 164 inches. Once the UPS invoice arrived, new audited dimensions of 50 x 49 x 9, totaling 166, were added. These dimensions triggered the UPS over maximum charge.
We placed a call to UPS billing to learn more about the charge and the audited dimensions. The operator searched the UPS system to see how often the package was remeasured. The operator said these packages are typically measured two or three times at different locations by different people.
The UPS representative could not see the remeasurement in the UPS system. Also, there was no verification that the audited dimensions were as stated on the invoice. Therefore, he removed the additional charge since he could not prove the resize. The total call time was 7 minutes and 20 seconds, and another happy Refund Retriever client saved $500 thanks to our superior business intelligence.
Impact on Shippers?
We have seen an increase in over maximum surcharges, and many shippers are unaware of these charges until it is too late. Using Refund Retriever’s large-surcharge reports, a shipper can query past shipment history to identify prior costs. We can find the UPS over maximum limit charge in all the data available.
In real-time, our reporting and analytics can identify each tracking number with any surcharge over $30. We find that most of these substantial accessorial fees are preventable. Often, it is simply a lack of education. UPS over maximum limit is preventable. UPS has an excellent freight network that is much cheaper.
Contact Refund Retriever today if these UPS over maximum limit charges are an issue for your business. Our parcel audit, combined with a full suite of reports and analytics, can reduce your shipping costs and help reveal your actual shipping spend. Stay tuned for more information on the additional handling fees.
