UPS and FedEx accessorial charges, explained
What each charge is, what triggers it, what it costs at each carrier on each date, how it interacts with fuel and demand surcharges, and where the numbers come from.
Delivery Area Surcharge
A per-package charge for delivering to a ZIP code on the carrier’s delivery area list. Both carriers have a standard and an extended tier, priced separately for commercial and residential addresses.
Additional Handling
A per-package charge for packages that are heavy, long, wide, bulky or not packed in a corrugated box. Both carriers price it by zone group (2, 3–4, 5–6, 7+) and by reason: weight, dimensions or packaging.
Large Package / Oversize
The charge for the largest packages that still fit in the small-package network. UPS calls it the Large Package Surcharge and prices commercial and residential deliveries differently. FedEx calls it the Oversize Charge and lists the same amounts for U.S. Package Services and Home Delivery.
Over maximum / Unauthorized
A charge for packages over the network limits: more than 150 lb, longer than 108 in, or more than 165 in length + girth.
Residential
A per-package charge for delivery to a home or a business run from a home.
Remote, Alaska & Hawaii
Per-package charges for remote ZIP codes in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.
Address correction & delivery changes
A charge when the carrier corrects an incorrect or incomplete address, and the related charges for changing a delivery that is already in transit.
Signature options
Optional charges for requiring a signature or an adult signature at delivery.
Declared value
Optional charge for declaring a value above the carrier’s standard liability.
Demand surcharges
Temporary per-package charges during high-volume periods. Some apply to package types (Additional Handling, Large Package/Oversize, over-limit packages); others to services (residential ground, air).
Fuel surcharge
A weekly percentage added to transportation charges and to many accessorials.
Historical rates
Year-by-year amounts, trend charts and the Accessorial Inflation Index.
Fuel surcharges
This week’s percentages and which accessorials carry fuel.
Change radar
Every announced and recent change, with dates and sources.
Coverage so far: the domestic U.S. package charges listed above. International charges, Saturday services, pickup fees and billing fees are planned; see the roadmap.
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