FedEx has announced its 2026 general rate increase, and, like in 2025, the carrier is increasing its rates by an average of 5.9%. What was a shocking rate hike in 2022 is now the norm (barring the unprecedented 6.9% jump in 2023).

In addition to the rate increase, which takes effect on January 5, 2026, FedEx announced updates to its surcharges and fees, which may affect shippers’ overall shipping rates.

Find out more about the FedEx 2026 rate increase, new surcharges and fees, and how to save— even as costs rise.

Which Services Are Affected By the 2026 Rate Increase?

According to the FedEx website, the carrier’s standard published rates will increase by an average of 5.9% for US, US export, and US import services. They also say FedEx Ground Economy, Ground Multiweight, International Premium, and International Priority DirectDistribution will increase by an unspecified percentage.

Freight rates will increase by 5.9% or 6.9%, except for FedEx Freight box rates, which will remain unchanged.

Updates to FedEx Fees and Surcharges

While the rate increase will add approximately 5.9% to your monthly invoice, the updated 2026 fees and surcharges can increase it by a significantly higher amount. Here are a few updated surcharges:

●       Residential Delivery Charge for FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx International Ground Shipments will increase from $5.95 to $6.45 per package.
●       Delivery Area Surcharge for US Package Services (Residential) will increase from $6.20 to $6.60 per parcel.
●       Ground Unauthorized Package Charge will increase by $100 to $1,875 per package.

The above fees and surcharges are nothing new— they are simply more expensive.

Beginning January 12, shippers who use FedEx Date Certain Home Delivery, FedEx Evening Home Delivery, or FedEx Appointment Home Delivery will see surcharges applied on a per-parcel basis, rather than a per-shipment basis.

FedEx announced a new method for calculating dimensional weight back in July. On January 12, FedEx will update the criteria for the Additional Handling Surcharge — Dimension and Oversize Charge. In addition to the existing criteria, packages assessed for the Additional Handling Surcharge — Dimension will also be measured by cubic volume. Rates set in July ranged from $28 to $38, depending on the zone. Rates in 2026 will range from $29.50 to $40.75.

Likewise, parcels deemed Oversize will have a cubic volume and a weight criterion. Oversize Charges set in July for US Package Services and FedEx Home Delivery Shipments ranged from $240 to $305, depending on the zone. New rates will range from $255 to $330.

How Can I Save on FedEx Shipping in 2026?

Parcel rates are at an all-time high, and shippers say their willingness to negotiate is dwindling. So, what is a shipper to do?

Set up a free Savings Analysis with ShipRx.

Our team will assess your current shipping strategy and contract to discover where you can save money. We have a 100% success rate and have helped our clients save hundreds of millions of dollars through contract negotiations and parcel audits. Will you be our next success story?