UPS 2026 General Rate Increase (GRI)

UPS is implementing two different timing changes within the 2026 GRI structure. First, the base transportation rate increase and most surcharge amount changes will become effective on December 22, 2025. That means shippers will begin seeing higher published transportation rates and higher accessorial charges immediately at that time. These December 22 changes include increases to common surcharge categories such as Additional Handling, Large Package Surcharge, Ground Residential, Delivery Area, Declared Value, Over Maximum Limits, and multiple international accessorials.

Second, UPS is also introducing certain new surcharge qualification criteria that will not become effective until January 26, 2026. That delayed implementation matters because it means some packages may not only cost more beginning December 22, but could also begin qualifying for surcharge treatment more often starting January 26. In particular, UPS is adding new cube-based criteria to parts of its surcharge framework and a new actual-weight trigger above 110 lbs. for Large Package Surcharge. Those January 26 changes create added exposure not only for large, lightweight shipments, but also for heavier packages that may not previously have been assessed Large Package Surcharge based on actual weight.

In other words, December 22, 2025 is the main price-change date, while January 26, 2026 is the key rule-change date for certain new surcharge triggers. Shippers should evaluate both dates separately because the December changes increase the price of existing rated charges, while the January changes can expand the number of packages that incur those charges.

💡 UPS’s 2026 GRI will increase Ground, Air, and International daily rates by an average net 5.9%.
💡 December 22, 2025 is the primary effective date for the 2026 GRI and for most surcharge amount increases.
💡 January 26, 2026 is the separate effective date for certain new surcharge criteria, including some cube-based triggers and a new actual-weight trigger above 110 lbs. for Large Package Surcharge.
💡 The most important accessorial categories affected include Additional Handling, Large Package Surcharge, Delivery Area, Residential, Declared Value, Over Maximum Limits, and certain international surcharges.
💡 Shippers of residential, remote-area, irregular, oversized, bulky lightweight, and heavier packages above 110 lbs. actual weight are likely to feel the greatest impact.
💡 The 2026 GRI is not just a transportation rate increase; it also raises many surcharge amounts on December 22 and expands some surcharge exposure beginning January 26.