FedEx Unauthorized Package Charge 2026: The $1,875 Fee for Packages Over the Limits

2026 FedEx rate: The Ground Unauthorized Package Charge is $1,875 per package for FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx International Ground packages that exceed FedEx’s size or weight limits. International package services pay a $700 Unauthorized Package Charge.

Quick answer: FedEx Ground isn’t built to carry packages over 150 lbs, longer than 108 inches, or larger than 165 inches in length plus girth. If one gets into the network anyway, FedEx charges $1,875 and may refuse it, return it to you, or dispose of it. If FedEx does deliver it, the package is also billed at a minimum of 90 lbs.

At $1,875 per package, every unauthorized charge on an invoice deserves a second look. A carrier invoice audit checks the billed dimensions and weight against what you actually shipped.

2026 rates: FedEx Service Guide, effective January 5, 2026 (updated September 11, 2026). Amounts are list rates before fuel surcharge.

How It Appears on Your FedEx Invoice

This charge isn’t on FedEx’s published abbreviation list, so on your invoice look for the Service Guide name, “Ground Unauthorized Package Charge” or “Unauthorized Package Charge”. The peak version appears as “Demand — Ground Unauthorized Package Charge”, renamed “Demand — Unauthorized Charge” on September 21, 2026.

What Triggers the Charge

For FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx International Ground, the charge applies to any package that:

• measures more than 108 inches in length;
• measures more than 165 inches in length and girth combined; or
• weighs more than 150 lbs.

For FedEx international package services (excluding International Ground), the same limits apply and the charge is $700 per package. FedEx international packages are subject to a 40-lb minimum billable weight when they also meet the Additional Handling dimension criteria.

Refused, returned or disposed of

The FedEx Service Guide states these packages “are unauthorized and may be refused, returned to the shipper, or disposed of by FedEx,” although FedEx may accept and deliver them at its discretion. That makes this more than a cost problem: an unauthorized package may never reach your customer.

2026 Charges

During peak season an unauthorized Ground package can cost $2,470 in surcharges alone before fuel. FedEx renamed the peak version from “Demand — Ground Unauthorized Package Charge” to “Demand — Unauthorized Charge” effective September 21, 2026, so expect either name on invoices.

FedEx vs. UPS

UPS charges the same amount, $1,875, for its Over Maximum Limits charge on packages over 150 lbs, 108 inches long or 165 inches in length plus girth. The two carriers’ limits and penalties line up, so the fix is the same: keep these packages out of the parcel network. See the UPS Over Maximum Limits guide.

How to Avoid It

• Block over-limit packages in your shipping software. Set hard rules that stop a label from printing for FedEx Ground if weight, length or length plus girth exceed the limits.
• Calculate length plus girth correctly. Length plus two times width plus two times height. A 90″ × 20″ × 20″ box is 170 inches and over the limit even though it’s under 108 inches long.
• Route big items to freight. FedEx Express Freight, FedEx Freight LTL or another LTL carrier is designed for these shipments and costs far less than $1,875.
• Check carton specs on new products. Over-limit packages often come from a new SKU or a supplier packaging change no one caught.
• Dispute mismeasurements. If FedEx’s recorded dimensions or weight don’t match the package, request a correction with photos and your carton spec.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an “Unauthorized Package Charge” on a FedEx invoice?

It is the $1,875 per package charge for FedEx Ground and Home Delivery packages over 150 lbs, longer than 108 inches, or over 165 inches in length plus girth. International packages are charged $700.

What is the maximum size for FedEx Ground?

108 inches in length, 165 inches in length plus girth, and 150 lbs. Packages over any of these limits are unauthorized.

How much is the FedEx unauthorized package charge in 2026?

$1,875 per package for FedEx Ground, Home Delivery and International Ground, and $700 per package for international package services, before fuel and any demand surcharge.

Will FedEx deliver an unauthorized package?

It might. FedEx may refuse, return or dispose of the package, but at its discretion it may also deliver it and apply the charge.

How should I ship a package over 150 lbs?

As freight. FedEx Express Freight or an LTL service is built for heavy and oversized shipments.

Related Reading

• FedEx Surcharges 2026: Every Fee, Rate & Threshold Explained
• FedEx Oversize Charge 2026
• FedEx Additional Handling – Weight 2026
• FedEx Demand Surcharges 2026
• UPS Over Maximum Limits

Get a free carrier invoice audit

D’arrigo Consulting audits FedEx and UPS invoices line by line for surcharges that were billed when they shouldn’t have been. Request a free invoice audit to see what you can recover.

This article is for informational purposes only. Carrier rates, surcharges, and policies change frequently — always verify current terms directly with the carrier for your specific situation. Have questions? Reach out to us — we're happy to help.