FedEx Rate Hike and Surcharge Increases for 2026: What It Means

At Gain Consulting, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed about critical changes in the logistics industry to help you stay ahead of rising costs and optimize your supply chain. On September 12, 2025, Supply Chain Dive reported that FedEx will implement a 5.9% to 6.9% average rate increase across various services in 2026, alongside higher surcharges.

This development, detailed by Max Garland, will impact businesses relying on FedEx Freight, Ground Economy, Ground Multiweight, International Premium, and International Priority DirectDistribution services. Here’s what you need to know and how Gain Consulting can help you navigate these changes effectively.

Breaking Down the FedEx Rate Hikes

According to the report, FedEx Freight rates will rise by an average of 5.9% or 6.9%, depending on the specific service. Additional increases are planned for Ground Economy, Ground Multiweight, International Premium, and International Priority DirectDistribution, though exact percentages for these services were not disclosed. Alongside the rate hikes, FedEx is also increasing surcharges, which could further elevate shipping costs for businesses.

These changes reflect broader trends in the logistics industry, where carriers are adjusting pricing to offset rising operational costs, including fuel, labor, and infrastructure investments. For e-commerce merchants and businesses with high shipping volumes, these increases could significantly impact budgets and profit margins if not managed strategically.

What This Means for Your Business

The FedEx rate hikes and surcharge increases will likely affect businesses across various sectors, particularly those dependent on freight and parcel services. Key implications include:

• Higher Shipping Costs: The 5.9% to 6.9% rate increase for FedEx Freight, combined with surcharge hikes, will raise the cost of moving goods, especially for truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

• Impact on International Shipping: Increases in International Premium and Priority DirectDistribution rates could affect businesses with global supply chains, particularly those shipping high-value or time-sensitive goods.

• Budget Planning Challenges: Retailers and manufacturers will need to reassess logistics budgets to accommodate these cost increases, potentially passing costs to customers or seeking cost-saving opportunities.

• Need for Optimization: Businesses must explore alternative carriers, negotiate better rates, or streamline operations to mitigate the financial impact of these changes.

  
  

How Gain Consulting Can Help

At Gain Consulting, our team is equipped to help you manage the impact of FedEx’s 2026 rate hikes and surcharges. With our expertise in freight management, analytics, and client-specific solutions, we can help you maintain cost efficiency and competitiveness. Here’s how we can support you:

• Carrier Rate Negotiation: Our Director of Pricing (LTL), Rich Tate, and Truckload Managers, like Brandon Goodenough and Laura Jay, work with clients such as Core & Main, Medco, and ORS NASCO to secure competitive rates across carriers. We can help you explore alternatives to FedEx, such as OnTrac or regional carriers, to offset rising costs.

• Cost Analysis and Optimization: Our Analytics Manager, Erin Burch, and Director of Client Software Solutions, Dylan Cue, leverage the Gain Data Center (GDC) to analyze shipping data and identify cost-saving opportunities. By reviewing your shipping patterns, we can recommend strategies to minimize the impact of rate increases.

• Invoice Accuracy and Dispute Resolution: Our Carrier Invoice Receivables team, including Andrea Mattos-Arevalo, Kellie Haeberlein, and Jennifer Carter, ensures accurate invoice processing and resolves disputes to prevent overcharges, especially critical with new surcharges in play.

• Strategic Logistics Planning: Account Managers like Megan Siebert and Sarah Wieberg collaborate with clients to tailor logistics strategies that balance cost and efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing Ground Multiweight shipments or exploring deferred delivery options, we help you adapt to market changes.

• Claims Management: Fred Pitts, our Audit and Cargo Claims Manager, ensures that any billing discrepancies or claims are handled efficiently, protecting your bottom line as costs rise.

  
  

Preparing for 2026

The FedEx rate hikes and surcharge increases are a reminder of the importance of proactive logistics management. By planning ahead, businesses can mitigate the impact of these changes and maintain profitability. At Gain Consulting, we see this as an opportunity to refine your shipping strategy, explore alternative carriers, and leverage data to drive smarter decisions.

As Max Garland notes in the Supply Chain Dive article, these rate increases are part of FedEx’s strategy to address operational challenges while maintaining service quality. However, with the right partner, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to optimize your supply chain.

Partner with Gain Consulting

Don’t let rising shipping costs derail your business. At Gain Consulting, we’re here to help you navigate FedEx’s 2026 rate hikes and surcharges with tailored solutions that keep your logistics efficient and cost-effective. Whether you’re looking to negotiate better rates, streamline invoicing, or diversify your carrier mix, our team is ready to support you.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business thrive in the face of these changes. Reach out to our Director of Sales, Trey Hanks, or visit our website for more information on our comprehensive logistics solutions.

Source: Supply Chain Dive, “FedEx to levy 5.9% rate hike, higher surcharges in 2026,” Max Garland, September 12, 2025.Link: FedEx rate changes