2024 Peak Season Surcharge Overview for Major Carriers

As we gear up for the 2024 holiday season, it’s important for ecommerce businesses to be aware of the peak season surcharges imposed by major carriers, such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. These temporary fees can significantly impact shipping costs, making it crucial to adjust logistics strategies accordingly. Here is a summary of the surcharges and how they may affect your business.

FedEx Peak Season Surcharges:

• Effective Dates: September 30, 2024 - January 19, 2025.
• Key Surcharges: Increased delivery area surcharges for U.S. residential shipments, particularly in remote and extended areas. Demand surcharges for both domestic and international shipments have also been adjusted.
• Example: The Residential Delivery Area Surcharge increased from $5.55 to $5.85, and remote area surcharges rose from $13.25 to $14.25 per package.

USPS Temporary Rate Adjustments:

• Effective Dates: October 6, 2024 - January 19, 2025.
• Key Surcharges: Rate increases for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, ranging from $0.30 to $7.00 depending on weight and zone. Priority Mail Express rates will increase from $1.00 to $13.00.

UPS Peak Season Surcharges:

• Key Surcharges: UPS has increased surcharges for Ground Residential and SurePost services, along with higher rates for oversized packages, which can now incur a surcharge of up to $500 per package. Delivery area surcharges are also higher for remote regions.

DHL eCommerce Peak Season Surcharges:

• Effective Dates: October 27, 2024 - January 18, 2025.
• Applicable Services and Rates: Parcel Ground & Expedited Services will see surcharges ranging from $0.25 to $1.25 per package, depending on the weight and zone.

Key Takeaways for ShipNetwork Clients:

• Dynamic Adjustments: Carriers are applying ZIP code-specific surcharges to manage regional volume spikes, so it's important to review these adjustments for your key shipping destinations.
• Optimizing Shipment Profiles: To mitigate these costs, consider consolidating shipments or selecting service levels that align with your budget while minimizing oversize fees and other surcharges.
• Plan Ahead: Strategically planning your shipments to avoid last-minute surcharges can help you maintain profitability during the peak season.

How ShipNetwork Can Help

At ShipNetwork, we understand the complexities of managing peak season surcharges and are here to provide an alternative solution. Our Xparcel service optimizes shipping methods, analyzing factors such as package weight, dimensions, destination, and carrier fees, including seasonal surcharges​​. Whether you choose Xparcel Priority for speed, Xparcel Expedited for cost-efficiency, or Xparcel Ground to maximize savings, we ensure that every package is delivered on time and on budget​​.

Don’t let surcharges disrupt your business—explore how ShipNetwork’s Xparcel can simplify your peak season shipping. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the 2024 peak season with ease.

For more information, speak to a rep or visit the respective carrier's official site:

• FedEx Surcharge Updates: Visit FedEx Peak Surcharges.
• USPS 2024 Holiday Rate Changes: View the official USPS Rate Guide.
• UPS Surcharge Details: Refer to the UPS Peak Season Surcharge Guide.
• DHL eCommerce Surcharge Information: Check the DHL Surcharge Policies.