Dive Brief:
- FedEx's standard shipping rates for U.S. package shipping services, including import and export volume, will increase by 5.9% on average starting Jan. 4, 2027, according to the carrier's website.
- The company will increase minimum rates along with various surcharges and fees on that date as well. Rates for Ground Economy, Ground Multiweight, International Premium and International Priority DirectDistribution will climb as well, but FedEx did not mention specific increase amounts for those services.
- FedEx will also introduce additional fees on Jan. 18. This includes a $25 paper document fee when any associated trade document is provided in a non-electronic format prior to processing, and a $5 fee for U.S. domestic and export shipments initiated with manual paper airbills.
Examples of FedEx surcharges increasing in 2027
| Surcharge | Applicable service | 2026 price | 2027 price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional handling (Zone 2, weight based) | U.S. package services | $46.00 | $49.50 |
| Additional handling (based on dimensions) | International package services | $29.50 | $32.25 |
| Delivery area | U.S. package services (Residential) | $6.60 | $7.00 |
| Delivery area | U.S. package services (Commercial) | $4.45 | $4.70 |
| Oversize (Zones 3-4) | FedEx Home Delivery | $275 | $290 |
| Residential delivery | U.S. package services | $6.95 | $7.35 |
| U.S. inbound processing | FedEx International Ground | $2.65 | $2.80 |
Source: FedEx
Dive Insight:
The standard rate increase follows a typical annual practice for FedEx, and mirrors 5.9% jumps the carrier imposed in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Rival UPS has done the same, although the carrier hasn't yet announced a 2027 rate hike as of Monday.
The actual rate increase amount each FedEx package will see in 2027 varies by service used, weight and shipping distance, meaning the impact will differ for each shipment.
Five of FedEx's seven major services will actually see rate increases averaging above 5.9%, including First Overnight (6.01%) and 2Day A.M. (6.65%), according to an analysis by logistics data platform Loop. Meanwhile, Standard Overnight will see a 5.16% jump, and Express Saver volume will only see a 3.09% increase on average, creating cost-savings opportunities for shipments that can handle slower transportation speeds.
"Shippers with transit-tolerant freight currently moving on 2Day should model the Express Saver alternative before their next renewal," per Loop's analysis.
Loop also noted that FedEx Ground packages between one and five pounds — a weight range common among e-commerce shipments — will see a 6.49% increase, a higher jump compared to shipments in heavier weight brackets. FedEx has reduced its emphasis on attracting general e-commerce volume in recent quarters, instead chasing more profitable shipments in customer segments such as healthcare and automotive.
