FedEx is preparing another broad increase in its U.S. shipping rates, with standard package shipping prices set to rise by an average of 5.9% from January 4, 2027.
The increase will apply to U.S. package shipping services, including import and export volume, according to FedEx’s published rate-change information. The company will also raise minimum rates as well as a range of surcharges and other fees on the same date.
Several services will be affected as well, including Ground Economy, Ground Multiweight, International Premium and International Priority DirectDistribution. FedEx has confirmed that their rates will increase, although it has not disclosed specific percentage increases for those services.
The carrier will introduce additional charges two weeks later, on January 18. These include a $25 paper document fee when an associated trade document is submitted in a non-electronic format before processing. FedEx will also introduce a $5 fee for U.S. domestic and export shipments initiated using manual paper airbills.
| 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
The 5.9% increase continues a familiar pattern for FedEx, which has applied the same average annual increase in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Rival UPS has followed a similar approach, although it had not announced a 2027 rate increase as of Monday.
The headline figure, however, will not translate into a uniform 5.9% increase for every shipment. The final impact will depend on the service selected, package weight and shipping distance, meaning the additional cost can vary significantly from one shipment to another.
An analysis by logistics data platform Loop shows that five of FedEx’s seven major services will actually record average increases above 5.9%. First Overnight is expected to rise by 6.01%, while 2Day A.M. will increase by 6.65%.
Other services will see more moderate changes. Standard Overnight is set to increase by 5.16%, while Express Saver volume shipments will rise by just 3.09% on average. That lower increase could create potential cost-saving opportunities for shippers able to accept slower transit times.
“Shippers with transit-tolerant freight currently moving on 2Day should model the Express Saver alternative before their next renewal,” Loop said in its analysis.
Weight will also play an important role. According to Loop, FedEx Ground shipments weighing between one and five pounds a particularly common range for e-commerce packages will face a 6.49% increase, above the increases applied to heavier weight brackets.
The change also comes as FedEx continues to place less emphasis on attracting broad-based e-commerce volume. In recent quarters, the company has shifted its attention toward more profitable customer segments, including healthcare and automotive.
