UPS continues to modify its pricing, and Demand Surcharges have become a major cost for many shippers. What was once tied primarily to the busy holiday shipping season has evolved into a broader pricing strategy that can affect shipping costs year-round.
UPS has continued adding and adjusting Demand Surcharges for both U.S. domestic and international packages, including additional charges tied to package characteristics, service levels, destinations, and periods of increased shipping demand. These modifications can be significant and will undoubtedly impact many businesses—particularly high-volume shippers and companies sending large, heavy, or residential packages.
For businesses already dealing with annual UPS rate increases, fuel surcharges, Additional Handling charges, and other accessorial fees, Demand Surcharges represent another expense that can quickly add up. A seemingly small surcharge multiplied across hundreds or thousands of packages can add thousands of dollars in shipping costs.
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UPS Demand Surcharge for 2026-2027
An additional UPS Demand Surcharge will apply to parcels that require Additional Handling, Large Packages, and the Over Maximum Limit Charge.
| 9/27 to 11/21/2026 | 11/22 to 12/26/2026 | 12/27 to 1/16/2027 | |
| Additional Handling | $8.75 per package | $11.90 per package | $8.75 per package |
| Large Package Surcharge | $96.25 per package | $117.50 per package | $96.25 per package |
| Over Maximum Limits | $530 per package | $590 per package | $530 per package |
UPS Express and Ground Residential – Demand Surcharge
A Demand Surcharge will apply to all UPS Air, UPS Ground Residential, and UPS Ground Saver packages:
| 10/25 to 11/21/2026 | 11/22 to 12/26/2026 | 12/27 to 1/16/2027 | |
| UPS Ground Saver | $0.50 per package | $0.75 per package | $0.50 per package |
| UPS Ground Residential | $0.50 per package | $0.75 per package | $0.50 per package |
| UPS Next Day Air | $1.35 per package | $2.50 per package | $1.35 per package |
| UPS 2nd and 3 Day Air | $1.35 per package | $2.50 per package | $1.35 per package |
Historical UPS Demand Surcharges
| 11/29/2024 to 11/23/2024 | 11/24/2024 to 12/28/2024 | 12/29/2024 to 1/18/2025 | |
| Additional Handling | $7.75 per package | $9.95 per package | $7.75 per package |
| Large Package Surcharge | $84.75 per package | $99.00 per package | $84.75 per package |
| Over Maximum Limits | $445 per package | $495.00 per package | $445.00 per package |
| 9/28/2025 to 11/22/2025 | 11/232025 to 12/27/2025 | 11/28/2025 to 1/17/2026 | |
| Additional Handling | $8.25 per package | $10.80 per package | $8.25 per package |
| Large Package Surcharge | $90.50 per package | $107.00 per package | $90.50 per package |
| Over Maximum Limits | $485 per package | $540 per package | $485 per package |
Over Maximum Limit Demand Surcharge
A peak surcharge will also apply to all Over Maximum Limits packages. Over maximum limit packages are heavier or larger than usual. Therefore, UPS has to spend more internally to process them. They pass the cost on to shippers and make a higher profit. These packages weigh more than 150 pounds. Additionally, shipments exceeding 108 inches in length or a total of 165 inches in length and girth combined.
Lower your UPS Shipping Costs
Schedule a free contract analysis today to learn how Refund Retriever can save money on UPS demand surcharges, UPS peak surcharges, and yearly shipping spend. UPS peak surcharges can make up a large percentage of your shipping costs. Just take a look at your next UPS invoice.
