++ In effect from October 1st, 2023, until January 14th, 2024, UPS will impose a temporary Demand Surcharge for large packages and for packages that require additional handling. Additionally, as of April 17th, 2023, until further notice, UPS is imposing a Demand Surcharge for packages over maximum limits. ++
In this article, you'll learn what UPS Demand Surcharges are, why they are imposed, and when they typically apply.
In this article 👇
1. UPS Demand Surcharges in general
Demand Surcharges are temporary or longer-term surcharges that UPS may impose on certain packages, shipping scenarios, origin/destinations, and service levels. Demand Surcharges are in addition to other applicable UPS surcharges, fees or subsequent charges and are subject to change and extension by UPS without notice.
2. UPS Demand Surcharges in peak seasons
Demand Surcharges in peak seasons are temporary surcharges imposed by UPS due to increased demand or heavy traffic periods when package volumes suddenly or significantly increase due to seasonal changes, holidays, or special circumstances in retail and e-commerce.
For example, Black Friday and the Christmas season cause a spike in package volume. To ensure the best possible handling and delivery capacity during these times, UPS applies peak season demand surcharges. Demand Surcharges allow UPS to ensure that its network continues to operate effectively during peak seasons and to expand its delivery network, including providing additional personnel, to provide reliable and on-time service despite increased shipping volumes.
When are UPS Demand/Peak Surcharges imposed?
In our experience, UPS imposes demand or Demand/Peak Surcharges every year around Christmas.
In effect from October 1st, 2023, until January 14th, 2024, UPS will impose a temporary Demand Surcharge for large packages and for packages that require additional handling. Additionally, as of April 17th, 2023, until further notice, UPS is imposing a Demand Surcharge for packages over maximum limits. |
3. UPS Demand Surcharges overview
The following costs apply to each UPS Demand/Peak Surcharge per package in addition to existing rates and surcharges and/or fees for domestic and international shipments. domestic and international rates, surcharges and/or fees. When shipping via Shipcloud business rates, we will charge these to you subsequently.
UPS Demand Surcharge | Description | Fees per package |
Additional Handling* | Demand Surcharge for packages that cannot be processed through the UPS automated shipping system due to their size, weight or packaging:
Heavy packages The following packages require additional handling due to their weight:
Packaging The following packages require additional handling due to their packaging:
Packages exceeding UPS's maximum dimensions for normal packages The following packages require additional handling due to their size:
For packages with the above specifications, UPS will impose the Demand Surcharge "Additional Handling" described here, in addition to the regular "Additional Handling" surcharge. | Demand-Surcharge: € 7.00
+ Regular Surcharge: € 14.50 |
Large Packages* | Demand Surcharge for large packages. A package is considered a large package if
Large packages are subject to a minimum cost-relevant weight of 40 kg, which is charged in addition to the "Large Package" surcharge.
For packages with the above specifications, UPS will impose the Demand Surcharge "Large Package" described here, in addition to the regular "Large Package" surcharge. | Demand-Surcharge: € 67.50
+ Regular Surcharge: € 49.50 |
Oversize/ Over Maximum Limits | Demand Surcharge for packages that exceed UPS's maximum allowable package dimensions. A package is considered oversized if:
Oversized packages are generally not accepted by UPS. If they are nevertheless found in the UPS parcel shipping network, UPS will impose the "Over Maximum Limits" Demand Surcharge described here in addition to the regular "Over Maximum Limits" surcharge.
❗For packages whose combined length and girth exceed 400 cm, the large package surcharge will also be applied. | Demand-Surcharge: € 412.00
+ Regular Surcharge: € 49.50 |
* An "Additional Handling" surcharge will not be imposed if a "Large Package" surcharge has already been applied. UPS does not offer a money-back guarantee for shipments that require additional handling by UPS and whose processing may be delayed as a result.
📌 Good to know: UPS will adjust Peak/Demand Surcharges as necessary without notice and reserves the right to extend or modify peak periods to reflect prevailing market conditions.
Any further questions? We're happy to help.
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