Purpose: In this section, we explain how you can avoid UPS surcharges if your shipment does not meet the shipping conditions of UPS.
Peak season surcharges
This is a flat fee that applies to all parcels during a certain time of the year, in which UPS expands its delivery network to accommodate increased shipping volume.
Effective 2 October until 14 January, we will implement a temporary peak/demand surcharge on parcels that meet specifications for the large package, over maximum limits or additional handling surcharge. This will be a flat fee per parcel in addition to existing rates, surcharges and/or fees. You can find the peak/demand surcharge rate, as well as the parcel specifications that are impacted by this surcharge, by downloading the latest Peak/Demand Surcharge information.
How can I prevent this surcharge?
- Plan your promotional campaigns before the end of the year rush.
- Postpone non-seasonal campaigns until after the peak season
More Resources
For more information about shipping with UPS over the peak season, you can consult the following resources on UPS.com:
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Our holiday schedule outlines the latest collection, drop-off and delivery times during the final two weeks of the year
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Our days of operation page displays adjustments to our service due to national holidays
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Service alerts on ups.com homepage notify you of disruptions that may impact your shipments, such as adverse weather conditions.
Special Handling Charges |
Peak surcharges |
Additional Handling | €6.30 |
Large Package | €63.90 |
Over Maximum Limits | €400.00 |
Fuel surcharge
Applies to all parcels. Click here for more information.
Additional Handling, Oversize and maximum Size
UPS may charge you different surcharges. In this section you will find a summary.
UPS Standard | UPS Express | |
for national shipments |
€17,05 |
€17,05 |
for international shipments |
€19,30 |
€19,30 |
when:
- Actual weight, over 32 kg
- Edge length over 100 cm
- Second-longest edge over 76 cm
- Objects in cylindrical containers that are not completely enclosed in packaging made of
corrugated cardboard - Goods in metal or wooden packaging
- Weight is higher than 32 kg and the exact weight is not indicated on the shipping documents please note that for Multicollo shipments the surcharge is per package.
Oversize
UPS Standard | UPS Express | |
Surcharge large package: A package is considered a large package if the total dimension exceeds 299 cm in length and circumference, but is less than the maximum dimension of 400 cm. Large parcels are charged with a minimum weight of 40 kg. In addition, a surcharge for large parcels will be applied. |
€73.50
|
€73.50
|
Surcharge over the maximum size: Packages weighing over 70 kg or having a length over 270 cm or total dimension of 400 cm in length and circumference are excluded from transportation. Nevertheless, shipments of this size found in the UPS parcel system will be charged with a surcharge. For parcels whose combined length and circumference exceed 400 cm, the surcharge for large parcels will also be charged. |
€212.05
|
€212.05 |
Heavy shipments
A parcel weighing more than 25 kg is considered a heavy parcel. Please note that a heavy package should not be confused with an irregular package.
Marking such packages with the "heavy package" sticker and/or with the signal tape is mandatory for our customers to protect UPS employees handling these packages. The signal tape is a safety notice that allows employees to adjust to a heavy weight before lifting the package.
UPS compares the volume weight (LxWxH in cm / 5,000) with the actual weight of the shipments as part of the tariff determination. Please note that always the higher value is to be used!
Standard | Maximal | |
Actual weight | up to 30 kg | 70 kg |
Edge length | up to 100 cm | 270 cm |
Girth | up to 300 cm | 400 cm |
For volume weight calculation, we recommend the following article: How to calculate parcel volumetric/dimensional weight
Residential Fee
UPS offers delivery to residential and business addresses. A Residential fee is delivered to the address, of a business operated from home. There is an additional charge per shipment for each residential delivery.
Price | |
Residential Fee Standard National |
€1.37 |
At what point does UPS scan the shipment as a residential address?
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All deliveries to customers living in apartments, in residential complexes (student or senior residences), as well as in private houses
- Deliveries to a store located at the same address as an apartment (also possible in private homes)
- Farm, dentist, or insurance office at the same address as a residence (private use of premises).
- HB deliveries whose original recipient is a private address
At what point does UPS scan the shipment as a business address?
- All deliveries to schools, funeral homes, prisons, fire stations, religious institutions, or an unoccupied house that has been converted into a business
- All deliveries to rental offices in apartments
- All deliveries at a UPS Service Point
- All deliveries to rental offices in apartments
All deliveries at a UPS Service Point
All deliveries waiting to be picked up by the customer at the parcel store (e.g. due to a re-routing because the customer could not accept the shipment).
Address correction
If the receiver's address has not been entered correctly, UPS will try to locate the correct address. A fee of €7.35 will be charged for this service.
Collections
The following surcharges apply to collections:
- Surcharge Alternative Address (Future Day-Phone): €4.54
- Surcharge Alternative Address (Same Day-Phone): €7.95
Explanation:
- Future Day Phone: The collection is scheduled well in advance by calling UPS.
- Same Day Phone: The collection is scheduled at short notice by phone on the day of delivery, for example.
Surcharge return to sender
If the recipient cannot be reached or refuses delivery, or if the parcel is returned for any other reason, a surcharge equal to the initial price (shipping costs) will be charged. If another surcharge was charged for the outbound shipment, for example, additional handling, this will also be charged again for the return shipment.
Example: The outbound shipment costs €8.55, the shipment is returned for the above-mentioned, then the €8.55 will be charged again.
Custom surcharges and external territories
UPS Standard | UPS Express | |
Import fee for non EU shipments
|
€6.25
|
€6.25
|
External area surcharge for certain areas
For shipments to / from external areas (s), a surcharge of €0.25 / kg or at least €11.50 / shipment will be charged in addition to the shipping costs. The higher amount applies in each case. For international shipments, a surcharge of €0.60 / kg or at least €31.00 / shipment will be added to the shipping costs. The higher amount applies in each caseas of 01.01.2022: For shipments to or from foreign territories, a surcharge of €0.24 per kg or at least €10.00 per shipment will be added to the shipping costs. The higher amount applies. For international shipments, a surcharge of €0.56 per kg or at least €27.45 per shipment will be added to the shipping costs to or from foreign territories. The higher amount applies. For shipments to or from hard-to-reach areas, a surcharge of 0.56 per kilogram or at least €27.45 per shipment will be applied. The higher amount applies.
Surcharge for hard-to-reach areas
For shipments to or from areas that are difficult to access, a surcharge of €0.60 / kg or at least €31.00 / shipment will be charged. The higher amount applies in each case.External area surcharge for pickups in certain areas
Shipments will be charged in addition to the shipping costs a surcharge from foreign territories of €0.60 / kg or min. €31.00 / shipment. The higher amount applies in each caseHere you can find a detailed list of all external area surcharges. Please note that UPS does not guarantee delivery in an outlying area.
Surcharge additional HS codes
When you use more than 5 different HS codes in one shipment, UPS charges a surcharge of €5.50 for additional HS codes.
Return surcharges
If your outgoing shipment is being returned, the following surcharges could apply in addition to any other surcharges.
Surcharge | Price |
Returns Print label | €1.70 |
Returns Large Package Surcharge: See more information on the Large Package here. |
€36.70 |
Returns Additional Handling: See more information on Additional Handling here. |
€5.15 |
Entry Preparation Fee: UPS will charge a fee for every Import shipment requiring a customs formal entry. |
€6.25 |
Other surcharges
UPS charges an additional surcharge for delivery to the following countries:
- From Germany to all countries (except AU/NZ): UPS Standard / Express €0.25.
- From Germany to Australia/New Zealand: UPS Standard €1.00 / kg, UPS Express €1.05 / kg
- From Germany to UK: 5.00€ per shipment (Standard and Express)
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.