United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) holiday season surcharges take effect today, September 27, 2026. UPS terms these fees "Demand Surcharges." They apply to bulky, oversized, or additional handling packages. They also apply to certain international shipments.
The higher rates aim to manage increased operational costs. These costs stem from an expected jump in package volume during the peak holiday shipping season. CEO Carol Tomé anticipates U.S. volume will increase by approximately 24%. This increase is projected from the third to the fourth quarter. This surge is similar to the one experienced in 2025. The surcharges remain in effect through January 16, 2027.