What is the UPS Over Maximum Limits (Overmax) Charge?
The UPS Over Maximum Limits (Overmax) charge is a surcharge or fee applied to shipments larger than UPS would like to be servicing. This charge is nearly identical to FedEx’s Ground Unauthorized Package Charge.
What is the Peak – Over Maximum Limits Charge?
During peak season, UPS has an additional peak surcharge for shipments that meet the criteria for an Over Maximum Limits charge. At the time that this article was written, UPS had not announced peak charges for the 2022 holiday season.
What are the parameters of the UPS Over Maximum Limits Charge Charge?
As of 2022, UPS charges $1,025 per package on top of the linehaul charge and any other fees, including a Large Package Surcharge fee. The billable weight is also established at a minimum of 90 lbs. So even if the shipment’s actual and dimensional weight is lower, it is billed as if it weighs 90 lbs. If the shipment’s actual or dimensional weight is above 90 pounds, it is billed at that weight.
The criteria for the ground unauthorized package charge are:
- A package with the longest side measuring more than 108 inches (9 feet)
- A package with a length + girth of more than 165 inches
- A package with an actual weight of 150 pounds or more
UPS reserves the right not to accept these packages or return them to the sender at the sender’s expense if they have already been picked up. However, if they do agree to deliver the package, they will assess this charge.
How much has the fee for UPS Over Maximum Charge increased over time?
UPS has increased the charge rapidly in recent years to deter companies from shipping packages that do not belong in their small parcel network and has come to increasingly recognize the disruption these packages cause.
Historical pricing for the fee is as follows:
- 2022 — $1025
- 2021 — $920
- 2020 — $875
- 2019 — $850
- 2018 — $650
- 2017 — $150
- 2016 — $110
- 2015 — $57.50
- 2014 — $51.65
What to do if you get hit with a UPS Over Maximum Charge?
The Over Maximum Limits Charge is almost always far more expensive than the cost of shipping a package via LTL . If you find yourself getting hit with this charge, check whether your shipments meet the criteria, as the carriers can make a mistake. If you are shipping packages that are this size or weight, consider shipping them via LTL or another shipping mode.
