Overview Of The 2022 Shipping Rate Changes For UPS, FedEx, DHL

You’ve come to expect annual increases in shipping rates from all carriers. But while the 2022 rate changes for UPS, FedEx, and DHL look the same on the surface, there are some important details that may help define your cost of doing business this year.

Notable Price Changes For UPS In 2022

The 2022 rate changes for UPS first took effect on December 26, 2021. In summation, there has been a small average rate increase to their general services such as UPS® Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air®, and UPS Next Day Air® shipping services.

The exact percentage change from last year to this year will depend on the service level you choose, the weight and size of your package, and the distance it’s traveling.

However, for those who have opened up their UPS account through Shippo, these increases won’t apply and there will still be deep discounts available on some of UPS’s most popular services. Below are a few examples of the discounts to expect in 2022.

Some other important aspects to note are that as of January 9, 2022, “Peak Surcharges” has been renamed to “Peak/Demand Surcharges” and the total surcharge amount will rely on the service level chosen.

On that note, while there have been some slight increases to accessorial fees and UPS surcharges, Shippo users are able to get discounted prices or avoid some of these charges completely.

For example, costs associated with peak surcharges, fuel surcharges, and some common surcharges such as UPS® Ground Residential are waived for Shippo users printing UPS labels.

2022 FedEx Price Changes

When it comes to the 2022 FedEx price changes, you’ll find an average general rate increase of 5.9%. This average can be found throughout FedEx Express, FedEx Ground®, and FedEx Home Delivery® shipments. They became effective on January 3, 2022.

Depending on the exact service level, you may see a different average increase. For example, FedEx Express Saver® rates will see an average 9.49% increase while FedEx 2Day® rates will only see a 4.85% average increase. That rate spikes up to an 8.69% average increase for FedEx 2nd Day® A.M.

Another aspect to note about the general rate increase is that the exact percentage difference between last year and this year can be different depending on the zone the package is traveling to. But, the percentage difference is fairly consistent across zones.

One other area of FedEx pricing to take into account is an increase in certain surcharges and accessorial fees.

For example, compared to last year, residential surcharges are increasing from 7.1% to 9.2% depending on the service level. Signature requirements are also seeing between a 6.8% to 6.3% increase.

There is a chance that your e-commerce business can curtail these surcharges or increases depending on how your account has been negotiated with FedEx. Also, Shippo users are able to apply to certain FedEx discounts including up to 50% off of FedEx Express Rates.

2022 Shipping Rates For DHL

When it comes to international shipping for U.S.-based merchants, DHL is one of the first options that come to mind. Similar to FedEx, the 2022 shipping rates for DHL Express have increased by an average of 5.9%.

This increase is being assessed on all DHL Express international services for U.S. account holders. These services include DHL Express Worldwide, Economy Select NonDoc, Express Envelope Doc, and more.

There are some other notable increases to surcharges this year. Some of the biggest changes include:

• Duty Tax Paid will go from 2% of fiscal charges or $15 minimum to 2% of fiscal charges or $17 minimum.
• Residential surcharges will go from $4.95 per shipment to $5.30. 
• Address correction will go from $18 to $19.50 per shipment.
• Direct signature will change from $5.55 to $5.90 per shipment.

One other notable change in the DHL surcharges for 2022 comes for Oversize Pieces which decreased from $94 to $71.50 per shipment.

Decreased prices for DHL Express are also still available in the form of shipping discounts with Shippo. E-commerce merchants can find up to 63% off of DHL Express services which can help limit the impact of price changes in 2022.

How To Get Cheaper Shipping Labels In 2022

With shipping rates increasing across the board among regional, national, and international carriers, the need to get cheaper shipping labels is more important than ever.

The easiest way to lower shipping costs this year is to sign up to Shippo. When it comes to each carrier, Shippo users can find rates of up to:

• 55% off of UPS® Ground
• 69% off UPS 2nd Day Air®
• 69% off UPS Next Day Air®
• 86% off UPS® International services
• 25% off FedEx® Ground
• 50% off FedEx Express
• 63% off of DHL Express services

Sign up for free today to start comparing rates from 85+ carriers all within a single dashboard so that you can choose the right service level and price for your business.