UPS rolls out a pricey surprise—Here’s what you need to know.
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As we navigate the complexities of today's global marketplace, the fine print can sometimes feel like it's written in invisible ink.
For those of us who have grown accustomed to the convenience of online shopping and international shipping, a new development from UPS may have you squinting a little closer at your next bill.
The GrayVine is here to magnify the details for you.
UPS, a household name in package delivery, has recently announced a pricing policy update that could impact your wallet more than you'd expect.
The company has introduced a “Surge Fee,” which adds an additional $0.29 per pound to shipments originating from certain countries and territories. This fee came into effect on March 16 and is set to continue until at least March 29.
The “Surge Fee” isn't just a flat rate–it's calculated based on the billable weight of your package. This means the heavier your package, the more you'll pay.
And don't forget, this fee is in addition to the existing UPS fuel surcharge, which fluctuates with the cost of fuel.
UPS has stated that this move is designed to “ensure that we can continue to meet our customers’ shipping needs without compromising the quality or timeliness of service expected from us.”
However, for many consumers and businesses, this fee could add up quickly, especially for those who rely on international shipping for trade or personal goods.
The fee is part of UPS's efforts to manage the increasing export demand from Asia, particularly as e-commerce continues to boom.
But it's not the first time UPS has implemented such a fee. Last year, the company added a $0.50 per pound “Surge Fee” on packages from China, Hong Kong, and Macau due to high demand.
Also read: DHL bill surprise: Woman expects $300 order, ends up owing more–Don’t let this happen to you!
The "Surge Fee" isn't the only change UPS customers need to be aware of. The company is modernizing its invoices and payment options, which includes several new fees set to take effect in the coming years:
These surcharges come at a time when shippers and companies are already under pressure from other financial burdens.
The new administration has imposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports, with a 10% tariff introduced on February 4, followed by another 10% levy, bringing the total to 20%.
Moreover, the Trump administration's executive order to eliminate the de minimis exemption for packages under $800 from China has been temporarily paused. This exemption allowed shipments below the threshold to enter the US free of duties or taxes, a boon for Chinese e-commerce companies shipping low-cost items.
Source: ABC News (Australia) / Youtube.
The tariffs and trade policy changes are having a ripple effect, even influencing grocery prices for everyday Americans. With companies like Temu adapting to become “more like Amazon,” consumers can expect to see a shift in the availability and pricing of products.
Read next: Are your packages really safe? Major shifts in USPS and UPS contracts could change everything for you!
Recommended for you: Trump drops key update: Here’s the "pain" Americans could face from tariffs
Have you noticed an increase in shipping costs recently? How are you adapting to these changes? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below!
For those of us who have grown accustomed to the convenience of online shopping and international shipping, a new development from UPS may have you squinting a little closer at your next bill.
The GrayVine is here to magnify the details for you.
UPS, a household name in package delivery, has recently announced a pricing policy update that could impact your wallet more than you'd expect.
The company has introduced a “Surge Fee,” which adds an additional $0.29 per pound to shipments originating from certain countries and territories. This fee came into effect on March 16 and is set to continue until at least March 29.
The “Surge Fee” isn't just a flat rate–it's calculated based on the billable weight of your package. This means the heavier your package, the more you'll pay.
And don't forget, this fee is in addition to the existing UPS fuel surcharge, which fluctuates with the cost of fuel.
UPS has introduced a “Surge Fee” of $0.29 per pound on millions of packages originating from certain countries and territories. Image source: Aaron Doucett / Unsplash.
UPS has stated that this move is designed to “ensure that we can continue to meet our customers’ shipping needs without compromising the quality or timeliness of service expected from us.”
However, for many consumers and businesses, this fee could add up quickly, especially for those who rely on international shipping for trade or personal goods.
The fee is part of UPS's efforts to manage the increasing export demand from Asia, particularly as e-commerce continues to boom.
But it's not the first time UPS has implemented such a fee. Last year, the company added a $0.50 per pound “Surge Fee” on packages from China, Hong Kong, and Macau due to high demand.
Also read: DHL bill surprise: Woman expects $300 order, ends up owing more–Don’t let this happen to you!
The "Surge Fee" isn't the only change UPS customers need to be aware of. The company is modernizing its invoices and payment options, which includes several new fees set to take effect in the coming years:
- Starting March 17, 2025, a $10.00 fee will be charged per shipment if the commercial invoice isn't provided digitally using UPS Paperless® Invoice services.
- From March 31, 2025, a $5.00 fee will apply for each printed copy of a UPS invoice, and a $25.00 fee will be assessed for payments made by check or wire transfer (excluding ACH payments).
- The Late Payment Fee will increase from 8% to 9.9% of the total past due invoice balance.
- On May 19, 2025, a Payment Processing Fee equal to 2% of all other invoice charges will be added to each invoice, while the Credit Card Surcharge will be eliminated.
These surcharges come at a time when shippers and companies are already under pressure from other financial burdens.
The new administration has imposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports, with a 10% tariff introduced on February 4, followed by another 10% levy, bringing the total to 20%.
Moreover, the Trump administration's executive order to eliminate the de minimis exemption for packages under $800 from China has been temporarily paused. This exemption allowed shipments below the threshold to enter the US free of duties or taxes, a boon for Chinese e-commerce companies shipping low-cost items.
Source: ABC News (Australia) / Youtube.
The tariffs and trade policy changes are having a ripple effect, even influencing grocery prices for everyday Americans. With companies like Temu adapting to become “more like Amazon,” consumers can expect to see a shift in the availability and pricing of products.
Read next: Are your packages really safe? Major shifts in USPS and UPS contracts could change everything for you!
Recommended for you: Trump drops key update: Here’s the "pain" Americans could face from tariffs
Have you noticed an increase in shipping costs recently? How are you adapting to these changes? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below!
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