Apr 23, 2026 • by Paul Bourque
What is the cheapest way to ship a package from Canada to Japan?
Using Secureship as your broker is the cheapest way to ship to Japan, which typically cuts a carrier's stated rate by 50% (and often more)
Read more
2020 FedEx, UPS, DHL, Purolator and other Carrier Peak Period Surcharges
During this peak period, carriers are flooded with an increased volume of gifts and parcels shipped worldwide to families and friends.
The holiday season – Black Friday to just after Christmas – is the busiest time of year for shipping. During this peak period, carriers are flooded with an increased volume of gifts and parcels shipped worldwide to families and friends. As an example, UPS typically ships 60% more parcels at the end of the holiday season compared to a normal day.
To handle the annual increased demands all carriers charge Peak Period Surcharges during the Christmas shipping season.
But 2020, as we are all aware, is a year like no other. For various reasons, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused residential shipping volumes to soar to peak volume levels on a regular basis. And it shows no signs of abating.
With the holiday season fast approaching, shipping volumes will surge to unprecedented levels. And that will make it ever more demanding to get your shipment into the hands of your family without delay or worry.
To deal with the COVID surge of shipping, a number of carriers have already implemented Peak Period Surcharges, and others will do so soon.
Carriers are using Peak Period Surcharges to:
- Add to their capacity – trucks, personnel, and planes
- Cope with cancelled flights – pay for longer, indirect routes
- Make alternate delivery arrangements – purchase extra air-flight cargo space
- Adjust to increased operating costs – overtime, storage, safety procedures
Surcharges vary according to carrier and level of service. The table below shows some sample surcharges and their effective dates.
Further details for each carrier can be found by clicking FedEx, UPS, DHL, Purolator, Dicom, and Canpar.
| Company | Sample Surcharges | Effective Dates |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Additional Handling Surcharge – $6 per package. Oversize Package - additional $50 per package. | From Oct. 5, 2020 till Jan. 17, 2021 |
| DHL | Emergency Situation Surcharge – €2.50 for packages weighing 2.51 kg - 30 kg | Since Apr. 1, 2020 |
| Purolator | Over Maximum Size - additional $450 per package. Large Package - additional $50. Additional Handling - additional $5. | From Oct. 5, 2020 till Jan. 17 |
| Dicom | Peak Season Surcharge – $0.49 per package | From Oct. 5, 2020 till Jan. 17, 2021 |
| UPS | All Worldwide Express services – $0.33/kg CAD Over Maximum Size - additional $450 per package. Large Package - additional $50. Additional Handling - additional $4. | Since Apr. 12, 2020 |
We at Secureship are sorry to be the bearer of bad news. COVID has been no fun for anyone.
About the author
Dan Allard is a marketing specialist, guitar player, and father living in The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In his free time he’s usually reading business and marketing blogs, watching Shark Tank, or pretending he’s Iron Man because he has an Amazon Echo. He also enjoys finding great deals online and finding ways to reduce shipping costs.
About Secureship
Secureship® offers an online service that helps businesses and organizations ship more efficiently and affordably.
Providing instant price shopping across multiple carriers, Secureship is the best choice for reduced rate shipping. In addition, Secureship offers benefits such as a consolidated shipping system regardless of the carrier you choose, built-in address book, convenient invoicing and shipment management.
Visit our shipping estimate tool to see how much you can reduce your shipping expenses.
Related posts
Apr 20, 2026 • by Paul Bourque
How much does it cost to ship from Canada to Mexico?
The cost to ship from Canada to Mexico is a variable difficult to pin down, but current events have made it pricier than ever
Read more
Apr 17, 2026 • by Paul Bourque
How long does it take for Canada Post to deliver to Japan?
With air freight services, Canada Post delivers parcels to Japan ranging in time from 10 – 12 business days; sea freight may take up to 3 months
Read more