If this headline feels a bit like déjà vu, it’s not you. UPS raised its fuel surcharges in March and May. Earlier this month, UPS announced its 2026 GRI and several other operational updates aimed at boosting revenue. Now, UPS has announced two new fuel surcharge increases— one already in effect and one coming January 6, 2026.

Fuel prices are dropping, but the surcharges are increasing. How can you combat the rise of sneaky fee hikes? Discover new and upcoming UPS fuel surcharges, how they’re implemented, and two ways you can fight rising rates.

International Air-Export and International Air-Import Fuel Surcharge

New import and export fuel surcharges went into effect this month for parcels shipped using UPS 3 Day Select from Canada, UPS Worldwide Express Plus, UPS Worldwide Express NA1, UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Worldwide Express Freight Midday, UPS Worldwide Express Freight, UPS Worldwide Saver, UPS Worldwide Expedited, and UPS Express Critical.

As of November 24, export surcharges range from 24.25% to 27.25%. Import surcharges span from 28% to 31%.

Domestic Fuel Surcharge

Currently, surcharges for parcels shipped using UPS Ground, UPS Ground with Freight Pricing, UPS Hundredweight Ground Service, UPS Ground Saver, and UPS Basic currently range from 19% to 22.5%. Beginning January 5, 2026, those surcharges will increase by 1%.

UPS is also raising its UPS Domestic Air Fuel Surcharge by 1% on January 5. This surcharge will apply to parcels shipped using UPS Next Day Air Early, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 3 Day Select, and UPS Hundredweight Air services, with surcharges ranging from 19.5% to 22.5%.

How Are Surcharges Implemented?

The surcharges are based on the U.S. Gulf Coast (USGC) price for kerosene-type jet fuel or the National U.S. Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price, as reported by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), and implemented on the Monday following the EIA’s reported rates. For example, the EIA’s November 24 report will inform the surcharge for the week of December 1.

What Can You Do About Increased Fuel Surcharges?

Over the years, surcharges have shifted from a reasonable fee in line with rising fuel prices to a hefty expense that’s growing despite the normalization of fuel pricing.

So the first thing that needs to happen? Customers must hold the carriers accountable for unreasonable increases. Delivery fleets are becoming more fuel-efficient, carriers are optimizing their routes to save on fuel, and fuel prices are dropping. So why are surcharge increases normalized alongside the annual GRI? Ask the question and demand answers.

Changing the system won’t happen overnight. In the meantime, work with ShipRx to secure discounts on surcharges through UPS contract negotiations.

Fuel surcharges are, unfortunately, not going anywhere anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you should pay face value. Stop the déjà vu-inducing cycle and start saving instead. Set up a free savings analysis with ShipRx and discover how much you can save on shipping.