Holiday orders may bring plenty of good things. Higher shipping costs usually are not one of them.
UPS has published its 2026 demand surcharge schedule, giving eCommerce sellers another shipping expense to put on the holiday planning list. The first charges begin September 27 and continue into January, with some of the highest rates landing during the busiest stretch of the season.
If UPS is part of your shipping mix, now is a good time to see where those extra charges could show up.
Some UPS Demand Surcharges Start September 27
The first round applies to domestic packages that require Additional Handling, qualify as Large Packages, or exceed UPS maximum limits. Those charges begin September 27 and continue through January 16, 2027.
From September 27 through November 21, the additional demand charges are $8.75 per package for Additional Handling, $96.25 for Large Packages, and $530 for packages over maximum limits.
Then comes the holiday rush.
From November 22 through December 26, those charges climb to $11.90 for Additional Handling, $117.50 for Large Packages, and a rather festive $590 for packages over maximum limits. Rates drop back to their earlier levels from December 27 through January 16.
That makes package size and handling requirements especially worth watching this holiday season.
More UPS Packages Get Surcharges Starting October 25
The next phase begins October 25 and covers UPS Ground Saver, UPS Ground Residential, UPS Next Day Air, and other UPS Air packages.
For standard-volume shippers, Ground Saver and Ground Residential packages carry a $0.50 per-package demand surcharge from October 25 through November 21. That increases to $0.75 from November 22 through December 26 before returning to $0.50 through January 16.
UPS Next Day Air and other UPS Air services start at $1.35 per package, jump to $2.50 during the November 22 through December 26 period, and return to $1.35 afterward.
A dollar or two may not look particularly dramatic on one shipment. Multiply it by hundreds or thousands of holiday orders, and suddenly it deserves a line in the budget.
Higher-Volume Shippers Have Another Schedule to Watch
UPS also has separate demand surcharge tables for customers that have been billed for more than 20,000 qualifying packages during any week after October 2025. For those customers, charges can increase based on weekly shipping volume compared with a baseline.
UPS generally uses average weekly volume from June 2026 as the baseline, although it can use a later August-to-September period under certain circumstances. The higher a shipper climbs above that baseline, the larger some per-package surcharges can become.
That part of the schedule gets complicated quickly. High-volume merchants should review the UPS tables directly rather than assuming the standard per-package rates apply.
The Most Expensive Stretch Is Right Where You Think It Is
UPS’s highest standard holiday demand rates generally run from November 22 through December 26. In other words, right when Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday shipping rush are all competing for everyone’s attention.
For eCommerce businesses, that makes the cost of fulfillment something to consider before promotions go live. A holiday sale might look great from the marketing side, but margins can tell a different story once shipping, packaging, and carrier surcharges join the party.
And oversized or unusually shaped products deserve even more attention. An extra $117.50 for a Large Package is a very different conversation from an extra 75 cents for a residential shipment.
Carrier Shopping Matters Even More During Peak Season
UPS is not alone in adjusting shipping costs during the holidays. USPS has also proposed temporary 2026 holiday price increases, and FedEx has published its own demand surcharge changes.
That makes comparing services particularly valuable during peak season. The cheapest carrier or service in September may not remain the cheapest option for every package once seasonal charges take effect.
Ordoro gives merchants access to multiple carriers from one shipping workflow, making it easier to compare shipping options instead of treating one carrier as the automatic answer for every order.
Holiday shipping already has enough surprises. The label price does not need to be one of them.
FAQs About UPS Demand Surcharges for 2026
When do UPS demand surcharges begin in 2026?
Some UPS demand surcharges begin September 27, 2026, including charges associated with Additional Handling, Large Packages, and packages over maximum limits. Demand surcharges for certain Ground Residential, Ground Saver, and Air packages begin October 25.
How long will the UPS holiday demand surcharges last?
The current schedule runs through January 16, 2027. UPS notes that demand surcharge amounts and periods are subject to change, so shippers should continue checking for updates.
When are UPS demand surcharges highest?
For many affected shipments, the highest standard rates apply from November 22 through December 26, 2026.
Do UPS Ground packages have a holiday surcharge?
UPS Ground Residential packages are subject to a $0.50 per-package demand surcharge beginning October 25 for standard-volume shippers. It increases to $0.75 per package from November 22 through December 26 before returning to $0.50.
Are there different rates for high-volume UPS shippers?
Yes. UPS uses separate demand surcharge tables for customers that meet its higher-volume threshold. Some charges then vary according to the shipper’s weekly volume compared with a baseline.
Put the Surcharges on the Holiday Checklist
Holiday shipping costs are rarely as simple as looking at the regular carrier rate. UPS’s 2026 demand surcharges add another variable, particularly for merchants shipping large packages or processing lots of residential orders.
The good news is that September gives sellers some time to prepare. Review the products you expect to sell, pay attention to package dimensions, and keep carrier options open as peak season gets busier.
If you ship with UPS alongside USPS, FedEx, or other carriers, Ordoro can help you manage shipping and orders from one place and compare your options before the label gets printed.
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