Peak season 2024

Last updated on September 4th, 2024 and until further notice, UPS applies demand surcharges to packages exceeding maximum limits, large packages, and shipments requiring additional handling. This will apply to all packages meeting these specifications originating from 19 European countries and to all destinations.

See below the demand surcharges that apply:

International shipping

UPS charges a demand surcharge for shipments to international destinations. The amount of these charges depends on the actual weight of the shipment and the destination. This surcharge applies to all UPS Express and Express Saver shipments within and outside Europe.

Europe: €0.40/kg 

Rest of World: €0.55/kg 

Click here for more information.

Detailed explanation of the conditions

Additional Handling

• Any article that is encased in an outside shipping container made of metal or wood
• Any cylindrical item, such as a barrel, drum, pail, or tire, that is not fully encased in a corrugated cardboard shipping container
• Any package with the longest side exceeding 100 cm (39.5") or a second-longest side exceeding 76 cm (30'')
• Any package with an actual weight greater than 25 kg (55 pounds)
• Each package in a shipment where the average weight per package is greater than 25 kg (55 pounds) and the weight for each package is not specified on the source document or the UPS automated shipping system used.

Large Package
A package is considered a large package when its length plus girth (girth = 2x width) + (2 x height) combined exceeds 300 cm but does not exceed the maximum UPS size of 400 cm. Large packages are subject to a minimum billable weight of 40 kg in addition to the large package surcharge.

Over maximum limits

Packages with an actual weight of more than 70 kg, or that exceed 274 cm in length, or exceed a total of 400 cm in length and girth combined (girth = (2 x width) + (2 x height), are not accepted for transportation. If found in the UPS small package system, they are subject to an additional charge.

Additional resources

For more information about shipping with UPS over the peak season, you can consult the following resources on UPS.com:

• The days of operation page displays adjustments to our service due to national holidays

• The service alerts page notifies you of disruptions, such as adverse weather conditions, that may impact your shipments.

To ensure operational continuity during a period of high demand, DHL will be activating a Demand Surcharge (formerly known as Peak Season Surcharge) effective September 15, 2024 until January 31, 2025. Charges apply in EUR per kg (billing weight), based on the shipment’s origin and destination. Fuel Surcharge applies. The charge amounts and application dates may change during the demand period. The demand period is determined by DHL. Any change will be subject to prior notice.