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DHL eCommerce UK Domestic Surcharges

Ludovica
  • Updated

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

These surcharges are assessed by DHL at the sorting center and invoiced later via Sendcloud, not during label creation. They may apply to all DHL shipping methods. The rates below apply to DHL eCommerce contracts activated from 8 July 2026. If your account was activated before this date, different rates may apply.

When do surcharges apply?

DHL eCommerce may apply additional surcharges when a shipment falls outside its standard shipping conditions or requires additional handling. These charges are determined by the carrier and may be added after your shipment has been processed.

Common reasons why a surcharge may apply include:

  • Exceeds DHL's maximum weight or dimension limits.
  • Is delivered to a remote or offshore area.
  • Requires an additional service, such as a return, booked delivery, or BFPO delivery.
  • Does not meet DHL's shipping conditions and requires extra handling.

Reviewing these conditions before shipping can help you avoid unexpected charges.

Shipping internationally? This article covers Domestic surcharges only. For surcharges that apply to international shipments, see DHL eCommerce UK International Surcharges.

Domestic surcharges

Surcharge Description Cost
Additional Kilo Rate An additional per-kilogram charge applies to parcels that exceed the base weight limit for deliveries.

Zone A: £0.25 / kg 
Zone B: £0.25 / kg 
Zone C: £0.55 / kg 
Zone D: £0.75 / kg

Isle of Wight / Scilly Isles

 Surcharge applies for DHL shipments to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles due to additional delivery costs.

£6.19
Return to sender This fee will apply if a package is returned to the sender due to delivery issues.

£4.19

Nothing to Collect Fee

 Surcharge applies if no shipments are ready at pick-up, to cover operational costs.

£6.19
Swap out Swap-Out is a service where the driver delivers and waits to collect a return on the spot. Used mainly for tech replacements. Available on request and subject to DHL approval based on product and volume.

£4.70

Booked in delivery

 This fee applies when a delivery must be scheduled at a specific time, covering the extra coordination and handling required to ensure successful receipt. £16.19

Out of range

 This surcharge will apply when two sides of the parcel are 80cm or greater.

£20.20 / item

Long length

 This surcharge will apply to any item with a single side between 120cm and 199cm.

£10.20 / item
Long length This surcharge applies to any item with a single side between 300 cm and 339.99 cm. £25.20 / item

Extra long length

 This surcharge will apply to any item with a single side between 200cm and 339 cm.

£20.20 / item
Extra long length This surcharge applies to any item with a single side of 340 cm or more. £50.20 / item

Heavyweight item

 This charge will apply to any item weighing over 30 Kg.

30.01 - 34 kg: £10.20 / item

34.01 - 36 kg: £20.20 / item

36.01+ kg: £20.20 / item

Delivery to BFPO address

 This surcharge applies to deliveries to BFPO addresses, covering the extra handling, security checks, and special routing needed for military locations.

£11.19 / item 

Volumetric weight

Volumetric weight is used when shipping costs are based on the size of the parcel rather than its actual weight. Large but lightweight parcels may still incur higher charges.

Under-Declaration Surcharge
If the declared weight is lower than the actual weight, the correct weight will be used to recalculate the cost, and an extra fee will be added.

£0.45

Congestion surcharge

 DHL applies a congestion surcharge for deliveries to postcodes with high traffic to cover added operational costs. For details and affected areas, see DHL City Congestion Charge.

£0.95

Fuel Surcharge

DHL applies a fuel surcharge to offset changing fuel costs and maintain service reliability. 

For full details, visit the DHL Fuel Surcharge page.

DHL zone system

DHL operates using a zone system, please refer to the following table for a visual representation of these zones.

Service Offering:
  • Eligible Zones for Shipping: Shipments from Zones A and B to Zones A, B, C, or D.
Pricing and Surcharges:
  • Within Zones A and B: Pricing is valid without additional surcharges.
  • To Zones C and D: Surcharges are applicable for shipments.
Service limitations:
  • Next Day and Timed Services: Limitations apply.
  • Mainland UK to Northern Ireland: The fastest available service is 2 days.

To check the delivery postcodes, visit DHL Postcode Availability.

Where can I see these surcharges on my invoice?

Surcharges are applied by the carrier after the shipment has been processed and may not be visible when you create the label.

You can find these charges in your Sendcloud account via Account > Billing, where you can download your invoice in PDF or CSV format:

  • PDF invoice: Shows a summary of your total costs, including surcharges.
  • CSV invoice: Shows a detailed breakdown per shipment, including the tracking number, shipping cost, and any applied surcharges.

💡 Tip: Use the tracking number in the CSV to identify which shipment a surcharge applies to.

For a full explanation of how shipping costs and surcharges are invoiced and how to read them, see Shipment invoicing.

Important information about rates & services

You acknowledge and agree that all goods being returned to you or being collected from the one-third party for delivery to another will be carried at your sole risk. DHL eCommerce UK does not accept any liability under any circumstances for any loss or damage to such goods (howsoever caused).