USPS, UPS and FedEx have announced holiday shipping surcharges for 2026, with costs varying by carrier and package size.
USPS will charge $0.50 to $1.25 extra for packages up to 25 pounds shipped within Zones 1-4 from October 4, 2026 through January 17, 2027. UPS will add a residential ground surcharge of $0.50 to $0.75 per package starting October 25, with additional handling surcharges reaching $11.90 and seasonal large-package fees up to $117.50. FedEx will charge $0.50 to $0.80 per package starting October 26, with handling surcharges up to $11.85 and oversize fees up to $117.25.
For smaller gifts, the increases remain modest. A 1-pound package from Chicago to Tennessee costs $11.10 with USPS Ground Advantage, $13.00 with UPS Ground, and $32.89 with FedEx Home Delivery. A 15-pound package costs $41.90 with USPS, $39.65 with UPS, and $50.86 with FedEx.
Beyond seasonal surcharges, dimensional-weight pricing can raise costs for bulky lightweight items. Residential and remote-area delivery fees apply with UPS and FedEx. USPS Ground Advantage includes up to $100 in insurance coverage for qualifying shipments.
To reduce costs, compare rates using each carrier's online calculator before shipping. Use appropriately sized boxes to avoid dimensional-weight charges. Ship early to use affordable ground delivery rather than expedited options. Buy shipping labels online, as USPS Click-N-Ship and other carriers offer online discounts compared to counter rates. Consider whether retailers can ship directly to the recipient to avoid double shipping costs.