FedEx surcharges

Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted FedEx surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier shipping conditions.

Related articles

→ FedEx shipping conditions

→ FedEx contract activation

Additional handling

Additional handling is charged when a package requires extra attention due to the dimensions, packaging, or weight. If a non-standard shipment is eligible for two or all three Additional Handling Surcharges (Dimension, Weight, or Packaging), only the one with the highest charge will apply.

A surcharge applies to a shipment containing any package that:

Dimension 

• measures greater than 121 centimeters along its longest side
• measures greater than 76 centimeters along its second-longest side; or,
• measures greater than 266 centimeters in length and girth (length + 2 x width + 2 x height).

Packaging

• is not fully encased in an outer shipping container or packaging;
• is encased in an outer shipping container or packaging not made of corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, canvas, leather, hard plastic, soft plastic, or expanded polystyrene foam (e.g. Styrofoam);
• is encased in an outer shipping container or packaging covered in shrink wrap or stretch wrap;
• is round or cylindrical, including (without limitation) mailing tubes, cans, buckets, barrels, tires, drums, or pails;
• is bound with metal, plastic, or cloth banding, or has wheels (e.g. a bicycle), casters, handles, or straps, including packages where the outer surface area is loosely wrapped, or where the contents protrude outside the surface area;
• could become entangled in, or cause damage to other packages or the FedEx sortation system.

Weight

• has an actual weight greater than 31kg.

Package shape and dimensions may change during transit, affecting the package’s surcharge eligibility. If the package shape and dimensions change during transit, FedEx may make appropriate adjustments to the shipment charges at any time. We highly recommend using appropriate packaging materials to ensure your package stays in its original shape.

Address correction

If a recipient’s address on an Air Bill, Air Waybill, or shipping label is incomplete or incorrect, FedEx may attempt to find the correct address and complete delivery. They will assess a surcharge for this action. If they are unable to complete delivery, due to the address error, they are not liable for failing to meet their delivery commitment.

Extended area

Shipments picked up from or delivered to remote and less accessible locations are assessed an Out-of-Pick-up-Area (OPA) or Out-of-Delivery-Area (ODA) surcharge. Please refer to the list of postal codes or areas where this surcharge applies. 

Tiered pricing based on postal codes or areas:

Fuel surcharge

International Fuel Surcharge
FedEx Express has adopted a Dynamic Fuel Surcharge according to the variation in the price of kerosene-type jet fuel for all international services except FedEx Regional Economy and FedEx Regional Economy Freight. FedEx reserves the right to apply a fuel surcharge. For more information visit the FedEx Fuel surcharge page.

Oversize charge

An oversize charge applies to a shipment containing packages that exceed 243 centimeters in length or 330 centimeters in length and girth (length + 2 x width + 2 x height). Package shape and dimensions may change during transit, affecting the package’s surcharge eligibility. If the dimensions change during transit, FedEx may make appropriate adjustments to the shipment charges at any time.

Return to sender

If a shipment is returned to sender, a fee will be charged. The costs of this vary per country.

Clearance services fees on international shipments

FedEx may charge a service fee for releasing your shipment from regulatory agencies or if you request special services. Besides that, fees for standard customs clearance may apply in certain countries/territories or FedEx subsidiaries. These fees are subject to change and may be billed to the shipper, recipient, or designated third party.

Please visit the website links below for information on clearance services offered in your destination country.

The carrier may change the shipping prices and/or surcharges mentioned above without notice, therefore these prices may be subject to change. Even though we aim to inform you to the best of our abilities, no rights can be derived from the information provided above.