The 2026 General Rate Increase from FedEx and UPS marks a turning point in how parcel shipping costs are rising.
While the headline GRI remains at 5.9%, the real impact on shippers is no longer driven by base rates alone. Throughout 2025, both carriers introduced frequent changes to surcharges, rules, and fee structures that quietly raised costs long before the official 2026 rates were announced.
This in-depth survival guide from Reveel explains why the GRI is no longer the main event and how modern carrier pricing is now shaped by continuous, data-driven adjustments rather than a single annual increase. The report breaks down exactly where costs are rising, which shipment profiles are most exposed, and how shippers should adapt their strategy for 2026.
Rather than focusing only on published rate cards, the guide shows how accessorials, surcharges, and rule changes now account for a significant portion of real-world shipping spend.
You will learn:
• How the 2026 FedEx and UPS GRIs really impact different shipment profiles
• Why surcharges and accessorial fees now drive most unexpected cost increases
• Which services, weights, and zones are being targeted by each carrier
• How minimum charges and residential pricing continue to rise year over year
• Where large and oversize package costs are heading in 2026
• How peak season and demand surcharges will affect budgets
• Why carrier pricing strategies are becoming more segmented and selective
• How to model and forecast shipping costs instead of reacting to invoices
The guide explains why 2026 looks more “moderate” on the surface, yet still represents a continuation of long-term pricing pressure. While large and bulky package increases have slowed compared to previous years, carriers are now using more precise, targeted adjustments across weight bands, zones, and service levels.
A key insight is that FedEx and UPS are no longer moving in lockstep. Each carrier is shaping its pricing to favor different shipment profiles, making the “cheaper carrier” decision highly dependent on your exact mix of weight, zones, and services.
The report also shows how many shippers are being impacted by:
• Rising package minimum charges that quietly negate discounts
• Expanding definitions of additional handling and oversize packages
• Increasing address correction, residential, and delivery area surcharges
• Peak season and demand-based fees that can add 20–50% or more to shipping costs
A dedicated section explains how Reveel’s Parcel Spend Management platform helps shippers model scenarios, simulate contract changes, and identify cost-saving opportunities before increases hit the invoice.
This guide is designed for ecommerce leaders, logistics teams, supply chain managers, finance teams, and operations leaders who need a clear, data-driven view of carrier pricing in 2026.
Download the Reveel 2026 General Rate Increase & Surcharge Survival Guide to understand where shipping costs are really going and how to protect your margins in the year ahead.
