UPS Large Package Surcharge guide (Updated for 2026)

Are UPS Large Package Surcharges unexpectedly eating into your shipping budget?

These hidden fees can exceed $330 per package, dramatically inflate your shipping costs, and disrupt your bottom line.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:

Critical 2026 update: New cubic volume and weight triggers

New cubic volume criteria

Large Package Surcharge now applies if cubic volume exceeds 17,280 cubic inches (length × width × height).

New weight criteria

Large Package Surcharge now applies if actual weight exceeds 110 lbs—regardless of package dimensions.

Why this matters

Previously, a package measuring 30″ × 24″ × 24″ wouldn’t trigger the Large Package Surcharge because it didn’t breach the 96″ length or 130″ length-plus-girth thresholds. But that same package has a cubic volume of 17,280 cubic inches—which now triggers the surcharge.

Similarly, a compact but heavy package weighing 115 lbs that stayed under all previous size thresholds will now incur the Large Package Surcharge based purely on weight.

Bottom line: Review your packaging and product weights now. Many shippers will see surcharges on shipments that were previously exempt.

What is a UPS Large Package Surcharge?

A UPS Large Package Surcharge is an extra fee for packages that exceed UPS’ standard size limits.

This surcharge is triggered when packages meet specific criteria in one of four ways:

For international packages, the same 130″ combined length plus girth threshold applies, but there’s no length limit.

These oversized packages incur additional costs because they require extra handling, storage space, and labor to process. Even if the actual weight is lower, large packages are billed at a minimum of 90 lbs, except for UPS Ground shipments with freight pricing, which are exempt from this requirement.

The Large Package Surcharge is just one of several fees UPS may apply to a shipment. We’ll cover other fees and how to minimize them in the following sections.

Current Large Package Surcharge rates

Here’s a table with the current Large Package Surcharge prices for both domestic and international shipments (effective December 22, 2025):

Domestic Large Package Surcharge rates

International Large Package Surcharge rate

How to calculate your package size

Key maximum limits:

To determine if your shipment will incur a Large Package Surcharge, you’ll need to measure the package. Always measure after packing. Final package dimensions matter, not item dimensions.

Real-world examples

To give you an idea of how to calculate package size, here are a few examples:

Desktop PC:

Inflatable paddleboard:

Large bedding set (new 2026 example):

Heavy equipment component (new 2026 example):

Dimensional weight calculation

While the UPS Large Package Surcharge is an important consideration, dimensional weight (DIM weight) can also affect pricing for large (but lightweight) items.

In simple terms, dimensional weight means you pay based on how much space your package occupies, not just its weight. If your package is large but light, the shipping cost could be higher due to its size.

UPS charges based on the greater of the actual weight or dimensional weight.

To calculate dimensional weight, multiply the length, width, and height of your package (in inches) and divide by 139 for daily rates or 166 for retail shipments.

For example, if your package measures 10″ × 20″ × 30″, the calculation would be:

(10 × 20 × 30) ÷ 139 = 44 lbs

If your package weighs less than 44 lbs, UPS will charge you based on the dimensional weight.

This means you’d pay for 44 lbs of shipping, even if your package only weighs 20 lbs.

Beware of exceeding the Over Maximum Limits range

Although the UPS Large Package Surcharge covers oversized items, there’s an even stricter threshold to watch out for: Over Maximum Limits.

UPS typically does not accept packages that exceed these limits:

If a package is identified in UPS’ system as exceeding their maximum size restrictions, it will either be returned to the sender or incur a substantial flat fee of $1,875, significantly higher than the Large Package Surcharge.

Additional Handling Surcharge changes for 2026

While the Large Package Surcharge applies to the biggest packages, UPS also updated the Additional Handling Surcharge criteria effective January 26, 2026.

The Additional Handling Surcharge now applies if a package meets any of these criteria:

Additional Handling Surcharge rates (effective December 22, 2025)

Related surcharges

The UPS Large Package Surcharge rarely appears alone on your shipping bill.

When shipping large items, multiple surcharges often stack together, significantly increasing the final cost.

The most frequent surcharge combinations that affect large packages include:

There are a few other surcharges not mentioned here, like Incorrect Weight, Extended Delivery Area (DAS), Dangerous Goods, and Delivery Reattempt, which only apply in some specific situations.

Peak season demand surcharges

During peak demand periods (typically late September through mid-January), UPS adds demand surcharges on top of base surcharge rates.

For the 2025-2026 peak season, UPS implemented tiered demand surcharges:

Demand Surcharge — Additional Handling

Demand Surcharge — Large Package

Demand Surcharge — Over Maximum Limits

How to avoid or reduce surcharges

Here are some strategies to avoid or reduce surcharges when dealing with large or oversized packages.

Package optimization strategies

For optimal rates, keep your package under 70 lbs (i.e., UPS’ threshold for a heavy package) and aim for a length under 48″ and the second-longest side under 30″ to avoid the Additional Handling surcharge.

New for 2026: Also calculate your cubic volume. Keep packages under 10,368 in³ to avoid the Additional Handling surcharge, and under 17,280 in³ to avoid the Large Package Surcharge.

Sometimes, you’ll have to incur an Additional Handling surcharge, but you can still avoid the pricier UPS Large Package Surcharge by staying under:

Also, be mindful when packing. Choose a sturdy corrugated box with 2 to 4″ of cushioning space on all sides for enough padding. Avoid oversized boxes that add unnecessary bulk and shipping costs. Good places to get a box of a specific size are:

As for packing, take a quality-over-quantity approach. Using the right materials and proper techniques eliminates the need for excessive bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Read our guide for shipping oversized packages for more information.

Calculate cubic volume—not just length and girth

With the new 2026 criteria, always calculate your package’s cubic volume (length × width × height) in addition to traditional measurements.

Example: A package measuring 24″ × 24″ × 18″ has these characteristics:

Without calculating cubic volume, you might assume this package is surcharge-free. Under the 2026 rules, it incurs the Additional Handling Surcharge.

Alternative solutions

When standard package optimization isn’t enough to get you below the Large Package Surcharge threshold, here are other proven strategies to reduce costs on large shipments.

Split shipments strategically

Breaking down large packages into smaller ones can cost less than paying Large Package Surcharges.

This works best for separable items like furniture or retail goods, though you’ll need to weigh the administrative overhead against potential savings.

Compare carrier pricing

While UPS provides reliable service, other carriers may offer better rates for your specific package size and destination. So compare FedEx, UPS, and USPS options.

Consider freight services

Switch to freight for truly oversized items. When packages consistently trigger size surcharges, less-than-truckload (LTL) and even full-truckload (FTL) shipping typically provide better value.

Score the best UPS rates with smart negotiation

Did you know that UPS and other carriers are willing to negotiate rates, particularly with businesses?

Even if you always ship large packages, you can secure substantial discounts by leveraging volume and strategic planning.

With the right approach, you can significantly lower your shipping costs while still taking advantage of UPS’ exceptional services.

Your UPS contract should focus on three critical elements:

This is where partnering with Red Stag Fulfillment gives you an advantage. We negotiate UPS rates using our combined shipping volume across all clients—giving you access to deeper discounts than most companies can achieve on their own. You’ll benefit from our pre-negotiated rates, including reduced surcharges and other cost-saving measures, without managing carrier relationships yourself.

Quick reference: 2026 UPS size and weight surcharges

Large Package Surcharge triggers:

Additional Handling Surcharge triggers:

Over Maximum Limits triggers: