Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted DPD surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier shipping conditions.
DPD UK Surcharges | ||
| Surcharge | Description | Cost |
| Fuel | Applies to all parcels shipped | Click here for more information. |
| Conflict surcharge |
Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East, fuel prices have increased significantly, particularly diesel. As a result, DPD UK has introduced a conflict surcharge to cover rising operational costs, despite measures to minimise the impact, such as using fuel reserves and increasing the use of electric vehicles. For more information about service impacts related to this situation, see the carrier disruption article. |
£0.15 per parcel |
Oversize and oversize weight |
This surcharge applies when your parcel exceeds DPD’s maximum size or weight limits. Oversized parcels are manually handled, which triggers the fee. For international shipments, also check volumetric weight. If (L × W × H) / 5000 exceeds 31.5 kg, the surcharge may apply. Limits:
How to avoid it: |
£22.20 |
| Package return to sender |
If a parcel can't be delivered and is refused, it will be returned at next-day rate plus a surcharge.
Note: Returns may take several weeks as they go through our UK partner, OnLogistics.
How to avoid this surcharge: |
Forward price + £2.70 |
| Manual handling | Parcels over 175 cm long or 300 cm in girth incur a non-standard package fee. Other manual handling reasons may apply—check DPD’s conditions before shipping. | £22.20 |
| Non comms handling | UK parcels that are incompatible with the DPD automated sortation equipment. | £2.95 |
| Republic of Ireland Services | Service: two day | £0.65 |
| Congestion | London congestion charge postcodes: W1-2, W8, W10-11, EC1-4, WC1-2, SW1, SW3, SW7, SE1, SE11, NW1, EI | £0.85 |
| EU Clearance | For parcels shipped to Ireland | £4.95 |
| Unsuccessful EU Export | Applies to parcels to the EU/EFTA that can't be exported and are returned. | £0.85 |
| EU Export return | Return fee per parcel from EU/EFTA to cover processing and handling. | £3.95 |
| Oversize export | Applies to DPD Classic Road parcels that exceed size or weight limits. | £22.20 |
| Nothing to collect | Surcharge applies if no goods are available at the scheduled DPD pick-up. | £10.70 |
| 4th/3rd Party | Surcharge applies for collections or deliveries at addresses different from your agreed collection point. | Offshore - £13.20 Ireland - £17.70 Classic - £15.20 Air - £15.20 |
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.
To avoid the above mentioned surcharges, please carefully read the shipping conditions, make sure you stay well within the permitted dimensions and, of course, select the right network for your package.