Isabella Carter
Additional handling fees are surcharges applied to packages that require special treatment outside of FedEx's standard shipping parameters. These fees are determined by the type and zone of shipping, as well as the package's weight, size, and packaging. They are designed to cover the extra labour, equipment, and processing needed for non-standard shipments. The fees can range from $15 to $55 per package, significantly impacting shipping costs, especially for businesses. To avoid these additional handling fees, shippers can use standard rectangular corrugated boxes, stay under weight limits, and optimise their packaging to fit within FedEx's dimensional criteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shipping | Domestic, international, FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, freight services |
| Shipping zone | Based on the zip code of the parcel's origin and destination |
| Weight | Minimum billable weight of 40 lbs, regardless of actual weight |
| Length | Greater than 48 inches but equal to or less than 108 inches |
| Length and girth | Greater than 105 inches |
| Weight threshold for international packages | Decreased from 70 lbs to 55 lbs |
| Weight threshold for domestic packages | Over 50 lbs |
| Package characteristics | Non-standard packaging, not fully enclosed, non-cardboard materials, shrink-wrap/stretch film, oversized soft packs, round or cylindrical packages |
| Additional services | Optional services for customization, including clearances by entities like the FDA, customs fees, currency conversions |
| Fee range | $15-30 for domestic, $25-55 per package for international |
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What You'll Learn
International package weight and size
FedEx has two ways of calculating the weight of a package: dimensional weight and actual weight. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the package's length, width, and height in inches (rounding each measurement to the nearest whole inch) and then dividing by 139. The resulting total is the cubic size of your package. FedEx charges for whichever weight measurement is higher.
International packages that meet the criteria for the Additional Handling Surcharge – Dimension and Oversize Charge will be subject to a 40-lb minimum billable weight. The Additional Handling Surcharge is a flat rate that applies to any FedEx Ground package that measures greater than 48 inches but is equal to or less than 108 inches along its longest side. This charge was implemented to capture additional fees for shippers that had developed packages that slipped under the previous standard of 60 inches.
Additional handling charges are fees paid by a shipper to ensure a package is handled with care and arrives at the destination intact. These charges can be found by reviewing the full list of parcel criteria in the FedEx Service Guide. For freight or international shipments, costs increase and can include fees for clearances by entities like the FDA, customs fees, currency conversions, and more.
The Duty and Tax Forwarding Fee will apply if the shipper selects a third-party billing option in which duties and taxes are to be paid outside of the destination country. This fee is assessed in lieu of the Disbursement Fee.
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Domestic packages
Additional handling fees for domestic packages are charges paid by the shipper to ensure packages are handled with care and arrive at their destination intact. These fees are typically applied to packages that meet certain criteria, such as those that exceed the maximum allowed dimensions and weight or require special handling.
FedEx has specific guidelines for when these additional handling surcharges apply. For example, any FedEx Ground® package that measures greater than 48 inches but is less than or equal to 108 inches along its longest side is subject to the Additional Handling Surcharge. In 2016, this surcharge was a flat rate of $10.50 and was set to increase to $11 in 2017. The fee was implemented to capture additional costs for packages that require more labour or logistics resources due to their overhanging traditional pallets.
The Additional Handling Surcharge weight threshold has also decreased over time. For international package shipments, the threshold was lowered from 70 lbs. to 55 lbs. Packages that meet the criteria for both the Additional Handling Surcharge – Dimension and Oversize Charge will be subject to a 40-lb. minimum billable weight.
Domestic special handling charges typically range from $15 to $30, including shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. These fees can be predicted using the FedEx zone calculator, which takes into account the origin and destination zip codes.
It is important to note that FedEx periodically adjusts its shipping rates and surcharges. As such, shippers should refer to the most up-to-date FedEx Service Guide to understand the specific criteria and charges for additional handling fees.
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Freight services
Additional handling fees are a common feature of many shipping services, including FedEx. These fees are applied to packages that require special handling during transport, often due to non-standard dimensions or weight. FedEx's Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) is levied on packages that exceed standard parameters in terms of weight, size, or packaging. For example, packages that are not fully enclosed in a rigid corrugated cardboard box or those made from non-cardboard materials like wood or metal may incur extra fees. The AHS rates can range from $25 to $55 per package, and the charge is based on the type of shipping service and the shipping zone.
For freight services, FedEx offers optional and additional services to customise each shipment. While the specific fees for these services are not publicly available, they can include charges for clearances by entities such as the FDA, customs fees, currency conversions, and more. These charges are in addition to the standard shipping rates, which are determined by the weight and dimensions of the package.
To calculate the dimensional volume of a package, FedEx uses the basic formula: length x width x height, which gives the cubic inches of the parcel. This value is then divided by 139, which is FedEx's dimensional factor. This calculation determines how many "pounds" the package represents and helps in assessing the shipping rate.
It is important to note that FedEx's pricing structure and surcharges are subject to change over time. As of 2025, the company announced adjustments to the Disbursement Fee and Duty and Tax Forwarding Fee for U.S. and international packages. Additionally, a U.S. Inbound Processing Fee will be assessed on U.S. import shipments for clearance.
To optimise shipping costs, businesses can employ effective spend management strategies. This may involve negotiating contract agreements with FedEx to reduce certain fees or requesting discounts on specific additional handling situations. Analyzing shipping invoices line by line can also help identify areas where businesses might be overpaying, such as paying too many surcharges for additional handling. By understanding the various fees and surcharges, businesses can make informed decisions to minimise shipping expenses while ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.
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Non-standard packaging
The additional handling surcharge is a flat rate that applies to any FedEx Ground package that meets these dimensions. In 2016, the rate was $10.50, which was an expensive addition to lightweight packages. The rate was slated to rise to $11 in 2017. For domestic express and ground services in 2023, the rates are zone-based, varying depending on the shipping zone. For packages over 50 pounds (for US Express and Ground Services) or 70 pounds (International Express and Ground Services), an extra fee is incurred, ranging from $29 (Zone 2) to $36 (Zone 7+).
The additional handling surcharge is separate from the Oversize Package Surcharge, which applies to unusually large packages that exceed defined length or girth limits. The current FedEx Charge for this surcharge ranges from $135 to $200, depending on shipment billable weight and destination zone. During high-demand periods, FedEx may also introduce Peak Surcharges, typically around holidays, to cover increased operational expenses.
Businesses should be mindful of these additional handling charges to avoid overpaying on shipping. FedEx provides a zone calculator to predict additional fees based on the zip code and parcel's final destination. Reviewing the full list of parcel criteria that lead to additional handling charges can help shippers understand the potential costs and achieve cost savings without compromising efficiency and client service.
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Duty and tax forwarding
A Duty and Tax Forwarding Fee will be applied by FedEx if the shipper selects a third-party billing option, in which duties and taxes are paid outside of the destination country. This fee is charged instead of the Disbursement Fee. This is one of the many additional handling fees charged by FedEx.
FedEx's Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) is a fee applied to packages that don't fit the standard shipping parameters. This fee covers the extra labour, equipment, and processing required for shipments that need special handling during transit. The AHS is calculated based on the package's weight, size, or packaging. For instance, FedEx applies an AHS to packages that are not fully enclosed, made from non-cardboard materials, wrapped in shrink-wrap/stretch film, or are oversized soft packs. FedEx measures the package in inches and uses the basic formula for calculating volume: length x width x height. This gives the cubic inches of the parcel, which is then divided by 139, FedEx’s dimensional factor.
The AHS fee ranges from $25 to $55 per package, which can significantly increase shipping costs for businesses shipping hundreds of packages daily. To avoid these fees, shippers can use standard rectangular corrugated boxes, stay under weight limits, and split heavy shipments into multiple packages.
FedEx also applies additional handling charges to both domestic FedEx Ground and FedEx Express shipments, as well as freight and international shipping. These charges are determined by the type of shipping service and the shipping zone. FedEx provides a zone calculator to help predict additional fees based on the zip code of the shipment origin and its final destination.
Effective October 2, 2023, FedEx applied an additional charge of $6.95 per package on top of the standard additional handling charges.
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Frequently asked questions
The Additional Handling Surcharge is a fee applied to packages that don't meet FedEx's standard shipping parameters. This includes packages that are too large, heavy, or irregularly packaged.
The Additional Handling Surcharge can range from $15 to $55 per package. The cost depends on the specific circumstances, such as the weight and dimensions of the package, as well as the chosen shipping service.
FedEx calculates the volume of a package in cubic inches by multiplying its length, width, and height. This value is then divided by 139, which is FedEx's dimensional factor. The resulting value represents the package's weight in "pounds".
To avoid the surcharge, packages must be fully enclosed in a rigid corrugated cardboard box. Non-cardboard materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, must be placed inside a cardboard box. Oversized soft packs exceeding 18" x 13" x 5" must also be boxed.
To reduce costs, you can use standard rectangular corrugated boxes and stay within the weight limits. Additionally, consider negotiating with FedEx or using third-party services that offer discounts on shipping costs for large or bulky items.
