UPS has announced a 5.9% General Rate Increase (GRI) effective December 22, 2025, matching FedEx’s headline figure for 2026. But as any shipper knows, what looks steady on paper can tell a very different story once you dig into the details.
Many areas, including some weight breaks, are climbing above the 5.9% average, and nearly every surcharge—including Large Package and Additional Handling—is seeing a sharper increase. On top of that, new rule changes taking effect in early 2026 will expand package size thresholds and criteria, adding even more complexity to parcel pricing.
While the overall average may appear familiar, the real-world impact depends on your unique shipment characteristics and mix of services. Understanding how these updates apply to your shipping profile is key to staying ahead of unexpected cost increases.
TransImpact’s 2026 UPS GRI Takeaways cut through the 5.9% headline to reveal the real cost drivers—from surcharges and weight breaks to rule changes you can’t afford to miss.