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:
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
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.
Nov 14, 2024 • by Paul Bourque
How much does it cost to ship from Canada to England?
If your shipment is an envelope of documents, the answer is $124 CAD with UPS Express Saver service; or you could send it by sea freight to reduce that price by about a third.
Read more
Nov 12, 2024 • by Paul Bourque
Which is the cheapest courier from Canada to Australia?
The cheapest courier from Canada to Australia ultimately may not be the best choice for your parcel, nor the fastest or most reliable.
Read more
Nov 11, 2024 • by Paul Bourque
What shipping alternatives exist if Canada Post workers go on strike in November 2024?
Many Canadians rely heavily on Canada Post to deliver mail and parcels, particularly during the holiday shipping season during November and December.
Read more