Published amounts
| Carrier and charge | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Over Maximum Limits | $1,775.00 | $1,875.00 | $2,034.50 Pending verificationReported by one summary only (D’Arrigo Consulting). |
| FedEx Ground Unauthorized Package Charge | $1,775.00Effective July 14, 2025. | $1,875.00 | $1,975.00 |
UPS periods: 2025 (in effect through Dec. 21, 2025) — UPS source
2026 (Dec. 22, 2025 – Dec. 20, 2026) — UPS source
2027 (from Dec. 21, 2026) — UPS source
FedEx periods: 2025 (in effect through Jan. 4, 2026) — FedEx source
2026 (Jan. 5, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027) — FedEx source
2027 (from Jan. 4, 2027) — FedEx source
Why it exists
These packages are not accepted for small-package service; the charge covers handling when they enter the network anyway.
Carrier terminology
- UPS: Over Maximum Limits.
- FedEx: Ground Unauthorized Package Charge (FedEx Ground and Home Delivery).
The charges are compared side by side but are not assumed to be identical. Definitions and services differ.
Qualification rules
UPS: packages can weigh up to 150 lb and measure up to 108 in long and 165 in length + girth. FedEx Ground uses the same limits (pending verification line by line).
Whether UPS also bills Large Package or Additional Handling on an Over Maximum package is not stated in the documents reviewed, so the calculator flags those results as incomplete.
Fuel surcharge treatment
| UPS | Yes Listed as “Over Maximum Limits”. |
| FedEx | Yes Listed as “Ground Unauthorized Package Charge” (Ground) and “Unauthorized Charge” (Express). |
Demand surcharge treatment
UPS Demand — Over Maximum Limits $530 / $590 / $530. FedEx Demand — Unauthorized $535 / $595 / $535.
How it stacks with other charges
FedEx applies only the highest non-standard charge, so Unauthorized replaces Oversize and Additional Handling.
Negotiation considerations
- These charges are rarely the target of negotiation; the fix is routing such items to freight.
General considerations only, not benchmarks or a promise of any discount.
Operational ways to reduce exposure
- Weigh and measure items near 150 lb before tendering; route them to LTL or freight services.
Change history
- Sept. 21, 2026 · FedEx: FedEx renames Demand — Unauthorized and extends non-standard demand fees internationally
Frequently asked
How much is the UPS Over Maximum Limits charge in 2026?
$1,875 per package. FedEx’s Ground Unauthorized Package Charge is also $1,875 in 2026, rising to $1,975 on Jan. 4, 2027.