Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted UPS surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier shipping conditions.
Please note: the carrier may change the shipping prices and/or surcharges mentioned below, 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.
- UPS Standard
- UPS Saver Express
- UPS Standard to Access Points
In addition, ensure that your parcel is always properly packaged according to recommendations.
Volumetric weight surcharge
It's extremely important that you take the volumetric 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
UPS Corona peak surcharge
The corona peak surcharge applied earlier this year will continue to apply during the end of year period. This surcharge is €0.22/kg and will apply to all UPS Express and Express Saver shipments within and outside Europe. For shipments to New Zealand and Australia the surcharge is €0.88/kg. For UPS Belgium a surcharge of 0,35 € / kg will apply.
More information can be found here.
Surcharge for residential addresses
UPS charge an additional fee for shipments to residential addresses to the amount of €3,70. This fee also applies to shipments to businesses which are registered at a residential address.
This surcharge is in addition to the base rate when sending to residential addresses.
Additional handling costs
Additional handling fees are charged at a rate of €10,25 (BE) 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 - 49.60 EUR
- 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/Extended area Collection & Delivery
Parcels to areas which are deemed remote or difficult to reach can receive a surcharge of €0,50 per kilogram with a minimum of €25,75, whichever is greater.
UPS provides a collection or delivery service in extended, as well as urban, areas. An additional charge applies for each shipment that is collected or delivered in an extended area.
Remote area surcharges are applied for delivery to or collection from an area beyond UPS ectended areas, which are less accessible (domestic and international services).
An overview of these areas can be found here.
Surcharge shipment to UK
Following Brexit, UPS have introduced a surcharge of €6,25 per parcel for shipments with a destination to the UK.
Surcharge above the maximum limits - 212,05 EUR
Packages with:
- An actual weight of more than 150 pounds (70kg); or
- that exceed 108 inches (274cm) in length; or
- With a total length + size [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] of more than 157 inches (400 cm)...
These packages are subject to an Over Maximum Limits surcharge of €212,05 (BE), in addition to all other applicable charges, if found in the UPs small package system.
- For parcels with a belt circumference (length + 2 x width + 2 x height) more than 419cm will also receive a large package surcharge.
- Packages exceeding 157 inches (400cm) in length and girth combined are also subject to the Large Package Surcharge.
Surcharge address correction - 8,50 EUR
If changes to the address on the shipping label take place, you will receive this surcharge.
Surcharge return to sender - outbound price
If the recipient is unavailable or refuses the delivery, or if for a different reason the parcel is returned, you will receive a surcharge in the amount of the outbound price.
For additional information about the fees, please visit the UPS page below. Always read these carefully before you ship with this carrier.