UPS continues to modify its pricing; UPS peak surcharges and UPS demand surcharges are enormous costs for shippers. UPS started adding to their Peak Surcharges for international US domestic packages. These modifications are significant and will undoubtedly impact many shippers.
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UPS Demand Surcharge – Large Packages and Additional Handling
An additional UPS Demand Surcharge will apply to parcels that require Additional Handling and Large Packages. This peak surcharge will not apply to all UPS shippers. The demand surcharges only apply to customers who:
- Have been billed for more than 1,000 total packages in any week after February 2020 or
- Been billed for more than ten combined Large Packages or packages requiring Additional Handling in any week after February 2020 or
- Customers signed up for a new UPS account after December 31, 2020.
If any of these standards are met, the Demand Surcharges apply until further notification to all Large Packages and packages requiring Additional Handling. The large package fee will be applied to those with length (longest side) plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches or with a length exceeding 96 inches.

UPS Ground Residential and SurePost – Peak Surcharge
A Peak Surcharge will apply to UPS Ground Residential, UPS SurePost, and UPS next-day residential air packages for customers billed for more than 20,000 packages during any week following October 2021. The peak demand surcharge amounts below will apply every week to packages over 105% of the base weekly average volume.

Over Maximum Limit Peak Surcharge
A peak surcharge will also apply to all Over Maximum Limits packages. Over maximum limit packages are heavier or larger than usual. Therefore, it costs UPS more internally to process. They are passing on the cost to the shippers and making more profit. These are packages with an actual weight of more than 150 pounds. Additionally, shipments exceeding 108 inches in length or a total of 165 inches in length and girth combined.
October 1, 2023, through January 13, 2024 | $410.00 per package |
Lower your UPS Shipping Costs
Schedule a free contract analysis today to learn how Refund Retriever can save money on UPS demand surcharges and yearly shipping spend. UPS peak surcharges could amount to a large percentage of your shipping costs. Just take a look at your next UPS invoice.