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UPS Ground Import/Export Fuel Surcharge Update

Effective Date: March 2, 2026 (announced on February 26, 2026)
Reviewed & Verified by:
Dave Sullivan

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Summary

UPS updated its International Ground Export/Import Fuel Surcharge table effective March 2, 2026, which adjusts weekly based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) National Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price. The surcharge ranges from 20.25% to 23.25% for diesel prices between $2.90 and $4.46 per gallon, increasing in 0.25% increments for each $0.12 fuel price increase. This change represents a 1% increase vs the previous fuel structure. The surcharge applies to UPS Standard shipments to and from Canada and Mexico, as well as related transportation and certain accessorial charges.

Analysis

UPS has updated its International Ground fuel surcharge structure, increasing fuel percentages by 1% and reinforcing its index-based pricing model tied directly to fluctuations in diesel fuel prices. The weekly adjustment mechanism allows UPS to pass fuel cost volatility through to shippers in near real time, particularly affecting cross-border ground shipments between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This structure ensures transportation pricing remains aligned with energy market conditions while potentially increasing cost variability for cross-border ground shipping.

Impact on Shippers

Shippers using UPS Standard cross-border services between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico may see shipping costs fluctuate week to week as the fuel surcharge adjusts with diesel prices. Because the surcharge applies broadly to transportation charges and certain accessorial fees, companies with high cross-border ground volume may experience noticeable cost variability tied to fuel market movements. Shippers will see a 1% increase in fuel costs for the same packages with this update.

Key Takeaways

💡 Fuel surcharge table updated effective March 2, 2026
💡 Update represents a 1% increase in the fuel surcharge structure
💡 Surcharge ranges from 20.25%–23.25% based on diesel fuel price bands
💡 Indexed to the U.S. EIA National Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price and updated weekly
💡 Applies to UPS Standard shipments between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and certain related transportation and accessorial charges

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