UPS imposes Additional Handling charges on packages that require extra attention during processing. These fees are determined solely by UPS and are intended to cover the extra cost of handling packages that fall outside typical size, weight, or packaging standards.
What Triggers an Additional Handling Charge?
Additional Handling may apply under the following circumstances:
Weight-Based Handling
Domestic Shipments: A charge applies to any package with an actual weight over 50 pounds.
Export Shipments: The threshold increases to 55 pounds.
Size and Dimension
- Length + Girth: The total of the longest side plus girth [(2 × width) + (2 × height)] exceeds 105 inches.
Length: Any package longer than 48 inches.
Width: Any package where the second-longest side is more than 30 inches.
Packaging Type
Charges may apply to packages that are:
- Not fully encased in corrugated cardboard (e.g., tires or soft-sided pouches).
- Enclosed in non-standard outer materials (canvas, wood, plastic wrap, foam, etc.).
- Shipped in cylindrical containers or irregular shapes (e.g., buckets, tubes, or mailing pails).
- Routed through UPS’s irregular sortation process.
- Bundled with straps, metal/plastic bands, or have exposed features like wheels or handles.
Order of Application
If a package qualifies under multiple Additional Handling criteria, UPS will apply only one fee—whichever is highest—based on this priority:
Weight
Length
Width
Dimensions + Girth
Packaging
Note: Additional Handling will not apply if a Large Package Surcharge is already charged.
How Much Is the Fee?
When using UPS by Rollo, the following Additional Handling charges apply per package as of July 2025:
| Type | Domestic | Export |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & Packaging | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| Weight | $19.25 | $12.95 |