Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted UPS surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier shipping conditions.
The carrier may change the shipping prices and/or surcharges mentioned below 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 below.
Demand surcharges
Last updated on October 1, 2023 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:
Surcharges | Conditions | Prices during peak season |
Additional Handling |
The same conditions as the additional handling surcharge are applicable during the rest of the year, except for the actual maximum weight allowed, which in this case is 25 kg and not 32 kg. |
€12.05 |
Large Package | The same conditions as the large package surcharge are applicable during the rest of the year. | €57.60 |
Over Maximum Limits |
The same conditions as the surcharge for exceeding the maximum limits are applicable during the rest of the year. |
€426.20 |
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.
International shipments: €0.21 / kg
New Zealand and Australia: €1.77 / kg
North America (US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico): €0.36 / kg
Click here for more information.
Additional resources
On the UPS Service Alerts page, you can stay on top of service disruptions that may affect your shipments, such as severe weather.
Fuel surcharge
A fuel surcharge applies to all parcels shipped with UPS. Click here for more information.
Volumetric weight surcharge
It's extremely important that you take the volumetric weight (dimensional weight) of your parcels into consideration when choosing from one of the above three shipping methods.
To choose the right shipping method you need to take the following calculations into account:
- Volume weight KG: LxBxH/5000
- Exact weight in KG
- Girth in cm: L+B+B+H+H
Examples
- The parcel weighs 2kg, but has a volumetric weight of 34kg
- A shipping method for a parcel size of 34kg must be chosen
- The parcel weighs 27kg, but has a volumetric weight of 8kg
- A shipping method for a parcel size of 27kg must be chosen
How do I determine the dimensional weight of my parcel Source UPS:
Dimensional weight reflects parcel density, which is the amount of space a parcel occupies compared to its actual weight. Dimensional weight may apply to all UPS domestic and international parcel services.
Determine the parcel measurement in centimeters. For each measurement, start at the longest point, rounding each measurement to the nearest whole number.
Multiply the parcel length (longest side of the parcel) by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size in centimeters.
Divide the cubic size in centimeters by 5,000. Increase any fraction to the next half kilogram.
Compare the parcel's actual weight to its dimensional weight. The greater of the two is the billable weight and should be used to calculate the rate.
Surcharge for residential addresses
UPS charges an additional fee for shipments to residential addresses in the amount of €4.20. This fee also applies to shipments to businesses that are registered at a residential address.
This surcharge is in addition to the base rate when sending to residential addresses.
Additional handling costs - EUR 12.05
Additional handling fees are charged at a rate of €12.05 for the following:
- All items packed in a metal or wood outer container
- All cylindrical items, such as barrels, drums, buckets, or tires that are not fully packaged in a corrugated cardboard shipping container
- All packages with the longest dimension exceeding 100cm or the second-longest dimension exceeding 76cm (30 inches).
- All packages with a real weight of more than 32kg
Surcharge for large packaging - EUR 57.60
- This surcharge will be applied for each parcel in which the length + size [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] exceeds 300 cm, but is not more than the maximum allowed UPS size of 400 cm.
- For large packages, a minimum weight of 40kg will be charged, in addition to the large package fee.
- No additional handling fee will be charged if the bulk package fee applies.
Surcharge remote area
Parcels to areas which are deemed remote or difficult to reach can receive a surcharge. The surcharge for this is €0.75 per kg with a minimum of €28.52.
An overview of these areas can be found here.
Surcharge shipment to UK - EUR 2.20
Following Brexit, UPS has introduced a surcharge of €2.20 per parcel for shipments with a destination to the UK.
Surcharge above the maximum limits - EUR 426.20
Packages with:
- An actual weight of more than 70kg; or
- With a length of more than 274cm; or
- With a total length + size [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] of more than 400 cm
...are not accepted for transportation. If they are found in the UPS system for small packages, additional costs will be charged to the amount of €426.20.
Parcels with a belt circumference (length + 2 x width + 2 x height), more than 400cm will also receive a large package surcharge.
Surcharge address correction - EUR 9.10
If you want to change an address, because it's incorrect or if you want to reroute the parcel to a different address, a fee of €9.10 will be taken into account.
Surcharge package return to sender
When a parcel can't be delivered, it'll be returned to the sender. Parcels can (in some cases) also be returned on request. When a package gets returned a surcharge (in the amount of the shipping costs) will be charged. See the section Import fees for more information on international shipments that are being returned to sender.
Import fees
UPS charges the following fees when a parcel is imported. Sendcloud will forward these costs to you (the merchant):
- Import duties: The Import duties are determined based on the HS Code and their corresponding import duty rate x (times) value of the goods.
- Import VAT: It's calculated as follows: tax rate of the importing country x (times) the value of the goods. The import VAT charged can be deducted as input tax in your regular VAT return for the relevant period. As a result, the import VAT doesn't constitute an additional cost for you.
- Provision costs: In the event that UPS pays import duties, VAT, and other government charges on behalf of the paying party in advance, then the carrier will charge you some a provision fee based on the intrinsic value of the shipped goods and the advanced amount. These are the costs: €8.10 per shipment with an intrinsic value less than or equal to €22, with a minimum of €16.60, or 2.75% of the advanced amount when the intrinsic value of the goods exceeds €22.
Prohibited item fee - EUR 145.20
There are certain prohibited items that UPS will not ship due to laws or regulations. It is the shipper's responsibility to comply with current government regulations or laws applicable in each country.
The carrier applies a surcharge of €145.20 for shipping a prohibited item.
For more detailed information, see the list of prohibited and restricted items prepared by UPS.