Holiday shipping surcharges vary by carrier, service and package. Use the carrier schedules below to understand the applicable dates, then compare the complete quote for your shipment, including any fuel, handling and demand charges.
What Are the 2026 Holiday Shipping Surcharges by Carrier?
The dates below are surcharge periods, not delivery deadlines or store drop-off cutoffs.
| Carrier and charge | Period | Amount or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| UPS additional handling, large package and over-maximum demand charges | September 27, 2026–January 16, 2027; higher amounts November 22–December 26 | Package-specific charges apply. |
| UPS Air, Ground Residential and Ground Saver | October 25, 2026–January 16, 2027; higher amounts November 22–December 26 | Standard Ground Residential and Ground Saver demand charges are $0.50 per package outside the higher-price period and $0.75 during it. Higher-volume schedules may apply instead. |
| FedEx handling, oversize and ground unauthorized-package demand charges | September 28, 2026–January 17, 2027; higher amounts November 23–December 27 | Applicable services differ by charge. |
| Selected FedEx U.S. package services | October 26, 2026–January 17, 2027; higher amounts November 23–December 27 | Ground Residential and Home Delivery Residential: $0.50 per package outside the higher-price period, $0.80 during it. Service exclusions and volume rules apply; listed air-service fees exclude One Rate packages. |
| USPS temporary holiday increases | October 4, 2026 at 12 a.m. CT until January 17, 2027 at 12 a.m. CT | Dollar additions vary by product, weight, zone and price category; no flat holiday percentage. |
| DHL international demand surcharges | October 1, 2026–February 5, 2027 | Charges depend on service, route and billing weight; amounts and application dates may vary within the period. |
| DHL Time Definite Domestic | November 1–December 31, 2026 | Separate published service schedule; availability depends on the shipment and market. This is not a claim that PostUp offers these services. |
These carrier schedules are not a complete shipment quote. Check the applicable service, package dimensions and weight, destination, account terms and other charges before choosing a carrier.
How to compare USPS prices
USPS announced an 8% transportation-related base-postage adjustment in March, with a proposed April 26, 2026–January 17, 2027 window. Its separate August holiday notice lists dollar additions by product, weight, zone and price category. These are different adjustments. Use USPS Notice 123, effective October 4, 2026, for current postage. Do not add the seasonal adjustment a second time to a quote already using current prices.
How do fuel surcharges affect the total?
Fuel and demand surcharges can both affect a shipping quote. Their contribution depends on the shipment and applicable carrier rules. Compare the complete quote rather than assuming that either charge is always larger.
Common Questions
When do the 2026 holiday surcharges start?
UPS special-handling demand charges start September 27; the listed UPS Air and residential-service charges start October 25. FedEx special-handling charges start September 28, with selected domestic service charges starting October 26. USPS lists October 4. DHL lists October 1 for international demand surcharges and a separate November 1 start for Time Definite Domestic services. Check the table and carrier notice for the applicable end date and exclusions.
Which carrier is cheapest during the holiday peak?
It depends on the package, destination and service. Compare complete quotes for the same shipment rather than assuming one carrier is always cheaper.
How should I account for fuel surcharges?
Check whether fuel charges apply to your shipment and include them when comparing the full quote. A historical fuel percentage is not a current price quotation.
Are the USPS transportation adjustment and holiday increase the same?
No. The March transportation notice and August holiday notice describe separate adjustments. Consult USPS Notice 123, effective October 4, 2026, for the applicable current price instead of calculating postage from the announcement percentages.
Has DHL announced 2026 demand surcharges?
Yes. DHL publishes an October 1, 2026–February 5, 2027 international demand period and a separate November 1–December 31, 2026 Time Definite Domestic period. Rates and availability depend on service and route; check the applicable schedule.
Where Can You Compare UPS, FedEx, and USPS in Orange County?
Ask PostUp Mail which carrier options are available for your shipment and request the complete quote.
Holiday shipping surcharges are only one part of the price. Review the shipping services page and contact PostUp Mail to confirm available options for your package and destination.
Compare your carriers first.