FedEx has announced its 2024 peak season surcharges, which are higher than last year and include two new fees for shippers. These increases will begin on September 30 for oversized, unauthorized, or additional handling packages. Starting October 28, demand surcharges will apply across various FedEx delivery services. The fees will be in place until January 19, 2025.
The surcharges are similar to those of rival UPS, though with slight differences in timing and pricing. Both companies have introduced new charges affecting air and ground shipments this year. As in the past, FedEx said these fees help manage the high demand during the holiday season and ensure reliable service.
“We expect the volume surge to extend into the new year,” FedEx stated, emphasizing that these charges help offset the costs of hiring seasonal workers and expanding capacity. FedEx Chief Commercial Officer Brie Carere noted during a June earnings call that the company has been successful in implementing necessary surcharges to support its peak operations.
Shippers can reduce the impact of these fees, according to ShipScience CEO Anthony Robinson. Strategies include encouraging early shopping to avoid peak periods, using regional fulfillment centers to minimize shipping distances, and offering local pickup or ship-to-store options. Additionally, Mrs. Shippie customers are not subject to peak surcharges, as part of our partnership with UPS.