In mid-to-late April, UPS and DHL simultaneously implemented several surcharge adjustments. DHL changed its US fuel surcharge to be updated weekly, UPS added a new charge for import customs clearance in Europe, and renamed its global emergency surcharge. These are summarized below.
DHL: US fuel surcharge now updated weekly.
On March 31, DHL announced that, effective April 13, 2026, the DHL Express fuel surcharge in the United States will be updated weekly instead of monthly.
The calculation method remains unchanged, still based on the 20-day rolling average price along the U.S. Gulf Coast (USGC) and the established rate schedule. DHL stated that the adjustment is due to continued volatility in the fuel market. Currently, only the update frequency is affected; the rate formula remains the same.
UPS: New Pre-Release Notification Fee for European Imports
UPS has updated its rates for several European countries. Starting April 12, 2026, a Pre-Release Notification Fee will be added for import clearance in Europe.
Triggering condition: Incomplete or inaccurate declaration information for imported parcels; UPS must contact the customer to provide supplementary information before release. Covers multiple European markets and applies to parcels imported via UPS.
UPS: Surge Fee renamed Surge Emergency Fee
Starting April 19, 2026, UPS will rename the original Surge Fee to Surge Emergency Fee, applicable to specific routes and countries.
UPS stated that the name change was to reflect the current uncertainty in the global logistics environment. This fee covers multiple import and export routes in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, with specific rates varying by country and service type. Rate pages for each country have been updated accordingly.
Impact on cross-border sellers
- DHL's US fuel surcharge is now updated weekly, meaning that the frequency of logistics cost accounting needs to be adjusted from monthly to weekly, and the pricing window is shortened.
- UPS's new European customs clearance fees require complete and accurate declaration information; any discrepancies will result in additional charges.
- UPS has upgraded its emergency surcharge framework, and coupled with continued pressure on Middle East routes, surcharges for related routes may be adjusted further.
Source: DHL US official announcement, UPS multi-country rate page