FedEx surcharges

Additional handling is charged for packages needing special attention due to size or packaging. Only the highest applicable surcharge is charged.

A surcharge applies if a package:

• Measures more than 121 cm on its longest side
• Measures more than 76 cm on its second-longest side
• Measures more than 266 cm in length and girth combined (length + 2 × width + 2 × height)

Packages that meet the AHS Dimension criteria are subject to a minimum billable weight of 18 kg.

If a package also qualifies for Oversize or AHS Packaging, the 18 kg minimum still applies, even if the AHS Dimension surcharge itself is not charged.

Will be assessed per package when any of FedEx's operational limits below are exceeded
exceeded:

Dimension

• measures greater than 274 centimetres along its longest side;
• measures greater than 419 centimetres in length and girth – the length and
  girth is length plus (two times the height) plus (two times the width);

Weight

• has an actual weight greater than 68kg.

Applies to packages that:
– are not fully enclosed in outer packaging
– use non-cardboard materials (e.g., metal, wood, plastic, Styrofoam)
– are wrapped in shrink/stretch wrap
– are round or cylindrical (e.g., tubes, barrels, tires)
– have straps, wheels, handles, or banding, or protruding contents
– risk entangling or damaging other shipments or equipment

Package shape and size can change in transit, which may affect surcharge eligibility. FedEx may adjust charges accordingly. Use proper packaging to maintain the original shape.

Domestic shipments weighing 25 kg or more per package are subject to an Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) effective from 1 June 2026.

International shipments remain subject to a surcharge for packages weighing more than 31 kg.

Domestic: £13,15

International: £30,20

If a shipment is returned to the sender, a fee will be charged. 

The costs of this vary per country.

A surcharge may apply for Saturday deliveries, depending on the pickup and delivery locations. If Saturday is a normal business day at the destination, no special marking is needed, and no surcharge is charged. 

Domestic: £29,70

International: £16,70

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. 

FedEx reserves the right in its sole discretion to change, without notice and as frequently as it determines, the list of tiers and codes/cities where an International Out-of-Delivery Area Surcharge and an International Out-of-Pickup Area Surcharge may apply.

Tiered pricing based on postal codes or areas:

Outer zones are areas designated by FedEx as remote or hard-to-reach, requiring additional resources for pickup and delivery.

The surcharge is intended to cover the additional costs of providing service to these locations.

The costs of this surcharge depend on the zone you're shipping from and where you're shipping to. Click here to see the zones and the related costs.

This surcharge will not be shown when creating the label and will be invoiced to you afterwards.

FedEx may charge fees for customs clearance or special services.
In some cases, duties and taxes may also be advanced by FedEx and charged back to the shipper if the recipient does not pay.

These may vary by country and can be billed to the shipper, recipient, or third party. See here for more information

When shipping internationally, duties and taxes are usually charged to the recipient (e.g. under DAP – Delivered At Place).

However, according to FedEx’s Conditions of Carriage, the shipper remains ultimately liable for all duties, taxes, and related fees.

If the recipient:

• refuses to pay
• cannot be contacted
• does not complete the payment

FedEx may charge these costs to the sender, even if the shipment was correctly set as DAP.

Why can charges occur after delivery?

To avoid delays in customs clearance, FedEx may advance duties and taxes to the authorities on behalf of the recipient.

This means:

• The shipment can be delivered without waiting for payment
• FedEx invoices the recipient after delivery

If the recipient does not pay, the charges are transferred to the sender.

This can also happen for high-value shipments, even when prepayment would normally be expected.

Import Administration Fee

This fee is charged when FedEx advances duties and taxes on behalf of the recipient.

• It is a service fee
• It is valid and expected in these cases
• It is common for international shipments, for example to the US

Return VAT

Return VAT charges may occur when a shipment is returned and VAT needs to be adjusted or reprocessed.

These charges are typically linked to:

• refused deliveries
• unpaid duties and taxes
• cross-border returns

How to avoid these charges

• Inform the recipient about duties and taxes in advance
• Ensure the recipient’s contact details are correct
• Clearly define who pays duties and taxes, e.g. DDP vs DAP

This surcharge helps cover the costs of processing and clearing import shipments bound for the United States. It is applied to all relevant international shipments to the US.

A Demand Surcharge may apply to shipments during periods of high shipping volumes, limited capacity, or increased operational costs. 

This surcharge is calculated per kilogram and is reflected on the invoice. Its applicability, duration, and rates may vary and are subject to change without prior notice.

View current rates