FedEx and DHL Express have both announced average US shipping rate increases of 5.9% for 2027, adding another cost consideration for ecommerce sellers planning their fulfillment strategies for the year ahead.
DHL Express has said it will introduce a 5.9% general average shipment price adjustment for US account holders on January 1, 2027. A limited number of services and surcharges will also be adjusted.
FedEx will follow on January 4, stating that it will increase standard list rates for US, US export, and US import package services by an average of 5.9%. The carrier is also changing certain surcharges, fees, minimum package rates, and Delivery Area and Pickup Area Surcharge ZIP code lists.
At the time of writing, UPS has yet to announce a comparable 2027 general US package rate increase. Its current US rate information instead details 2026 rate, fee, and demand surcharge updates.
For ecommerce sellers, a 5.9% average increase does not mean every shipment will cost exactly 5.9% more. The impact will vary based on services, package characteristics, destinations, surcharges, and negotiated rates. Higher carrier costs could put additional pressure on margins, particularly for sellers offering free or discounted shipping.
Sellers can prepare by reviewing shipment data, comparing carrier rates, checking packaging efficiency, and identifying where alternative services may lower costs. Multi-carrier shipping software can also help businesses rate shop and select the most suitable service for each order.
Want more control over shipping costs as carrier rates change? Book a Descartes demo to see how our ecommerce solutions can help you compare services, automate carrier selection, and manage fulfillment costs.
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