A peak season surcharge applies to orders that ship from early October through mid-January, the period when carriers charge a premium to move parcels during the Q4 peak. The rate is based on the order's shipped weight and stays fixed for the full season. Below is when it applies, what it costs, why it is structured this way, and how it shows up on your invoice.
When the surcharge applies
The surcharge applies to orders that ship on or after October 4, 2026, through January 17, 2027. These dates directly match the USPS peak season window. Nothing changes before October 4 or after January 17.
Cost
Shipped weight | Surcharge | Example |
Under 1 lb | $1.00 flat | 0.3 lb = $1.00 |
1 lb and over | $1.00 per pound at exact weight | 1.24 lb = $1.24 3.63 lb = $3.63 |
Note: Weight is the order's actual shipped weight in pounds. Amounts are rounded to the nearest cent.
Why $1 per pound at exact weight instead of weight brackets?
Brackets create cliffs. Two orders of the same SKU weighing 1.24 lb and 1.26 lb would land in different brackets, causing unpredictable costs. Exact weight means 1.24 lb pays exactly $1.24.
Why a flat $1 under 1 lb?
Carrier peak fees are charged per package, not per ounce. A 4 oz parcel and a 15 oz parcel cost a carrier almost the exact same peak premium
Understand surcharges
Carriers charge a premium to move parcels during the Q4 peak. This year's published increases include. Our surcharge passes these costs through in a single, predictable structure rather than passing along each carrier's complex service-and-zone matrix.
Carrier | Published increase | Dates |
USPS | A 6% average temporary increase on Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and Parcel Select. This stacks on the 8% fuel-related surcharge USPS implemented in April 2026. | Oct 4 to Jan 17 |
UPS | Ground Residential and Ground Saver at $0.75 per package during peak weeks. | Starting Sept 27 |
FedEx | Ground and Home Delivery residential at $0.80 per package. | Nov 23 to Dec 27 |
Note: The surcharge appears as a separate line on each invoice, calculated per order. See Understanding your invoice for more details.
Reducing your exposure
You don't need to do anything to prepare. If you do want to lower what you pay during the window, there are two things worth checking:
Use lighter packaging, which lowers the shipped weight of orders 1 lb and over. Our services team can review your packaging specs with you.
Confirm your custom packaging stock so orders don't default to standard packaging mid-season.
Common questions
Will the amount change during the season?
No. The rate is fixed from October 4 through January 17. If carriers file additional increases mid-season, your surcharge stays at our published rate.
Is this in my agreement?
Yes. Peak season surcharge terms are found in your Portless service agreement or in the 2026-27 peak season addendum. This notice is provided 30 days ahead of the October 4 effective date.
Are there any articles I can read to learn more about this?
Yes. View the following for more information: