AFMS Global Logistics

03/27/2026

At AFMS, we turn your parcel spend into a strategic advantage. 📦

Our Parcel Optimization solutions help businesses unlock measurable savings, improve carrier performance and help protect the future parcel landscape for you and your customers.

Through contract optimization, pricing intelligence, invoice auditing and advanced data intelligence, we empower smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.

👉 With over 30 years in the industry, discover how AFMS can help define your parcel strategy A No cost, No Commitment review https://afms.com/

01/16/2026

FedEx is increasing surcharges on Additional Handling and Oversize packages, effective January 11th.

Shippers — here’s what you need to know to avoid unexpected costs and keep your logistics budget in check.

Full article:
https://afms.com/fedex-surcharge-changes-additional-handling-oversize/

Starting January 11th, 2026, the Annual General Rate Increases for both FedEx and UPS are now active. These higher rates are shown on your latest invoices. Just because the average increase is 5.9%, don't be fooled, these increases are specifically created to have the greatest impact on the most cri...

10/31/2025

Effective December 22, 2025, the published Daily Rates for UPS® Ground, UPS Air and International services will increase an average net of 5.9%.

Key points from preliminary review:
Average Increase: An average GRI of approximately 5.9% is anticipated for 2026, matching FedEx's announced increase.

Variable Impact: The 5.9% is an average, and the actual rate increases for specific packages will vary based on factors like service type, package dimensions, and shipping zones.

Surcharge Changes: Expect adjustments to various surcharges. Some reports point to potential significant increases in residential surcharges, while others indicate new criteria for additional handling fees that could impact lighter packages.

ZIP Code Alignment: The list of ZIP codes that fall into different zones is set to change, which could impact costs for some shippers.

Demand Surcharges: UPS has changed the wording from "Peak/Demand Surcharges" to just "Demand Surcharges," which may give the company more flexibility in applying these fees.

Sign up to receive a complete analysis of these increases and how you can best mitigate them.

Read More Here:

Effective December 22, 2025, the published Daily Rates for UPS® Ground, UPS Air and International services will increase an average net of 5.9%. Key points from preliminary review: Average Increase: An average GRI of approximately 5.9% is anticipated for 2026, matching FedEx's announced increase. V...

10/24/2025

Rate Alert: Old Dominion Freight Line has announced a 4.9% general rate increase (GRI) on its LTL tariffs (effective Nov 3) to offset rising costs such as real estate, equipment, technology, and labor.

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ltls-hold-pricing-line-old-dominion-announces-4-9-gri

If you’re a shipper using LTL services, this could impact your freight spend and contract strategy. Let AFMS help you review the impact of these announcements on your shipping spend.

Old Dominion Freight Line is the latest less-than-truckload carrier to implement a general rate increase ahead of schedule.

10/17/2025

Attention e-commerce & fulfillment teams — is rolling out steeper peak-season surcharges from Oct 26 → Jan 17, 2026, especially for:

• Large, heavy, or extra-handling parcels
• The busiest window: Nov 23 → Dec 27
• Higher per-package demand fees (up to $0.60)
• Large/extra heavy parcel surcharges hitting $107 / $540 respectively

If you're relying on Amazon Shipping, these surcharges could hit your margins hard.

🔍 Want the full breakdown—including how these compare to 2024 and what you can do to soften the blow?

👉 Read the full article now:

For original story on Supplychaindive.com, click here. The fees, which commence Oct. 26, include per-package fees and levies for shipments that are large or require additional handling. Dive Brief: Amazon Shipping will levy peak season surcharges from Oct. 26 through Jan. 17, 2026, the e-commerce gi...

10/14/2025

Heads up, shippers & logistics pros! has announced a 5.9% general rate increase effective January 5, 2026 — and yes, that’s just the baseline. Expect steeper impacts on heavier, longer-zone packages, plus more increases in accessorials.

➡️ Ground rates, particularly for zone 6–8 & > 50 lb, could see increases upward of 7.2%.
➡️ Express, international, surcharges — all on the rise, albeit at varied rates.
➡️ This isn’t the only change you’ll see in 2026 — more updates expected.

Want to know exactly how your costs will change — cell by cell? We break it all down in our latest blog.

Ground Increases Higher Than 2025 Accessorial fees on the rise again FedEx just announced their 2026 General Rate Increase on September 12th to be Effective January 5, 2026. The 2026 FedEx Rate Increase has few surprises, Ground increases are up compared to 2025, while Express, International, and Ac...

09/17/2025

FedEx Announces 5.9% General Rate Increase for 2026

Ground Increases Higher Than 2025

Express & Accessorials Lesser Than Previous Year

FedEx announced early their 2026 General Rate Increase on September 12th to be Effective January 5, 2026. The 2026 FedEx Rate Increase has few surprises, Ground increases are up compared to 2025, while Express, International, and Accessorials are trending lower, though still significant increases.

This increase doesn’t have as much sticker shock as the 2025 announcement, but as we’ve been seeing through recent and frequent announcements, we can be quite confident that this won’t be the only change to 2026 rates and policies. We will continue to update you as the carriers continue to make changes and will report back as soon as UPS makes their 2026 rate announcement.

All increases are based on “service level” averages. Additional changes in fees and surcharges will vary based on individual characteristics and product mix. To receive your copy of the AFMS analysis/break down

09/16/2025

Another carrier change as USPS puts new international shipping rules into effect. As of September 1st, all USPS commercial shipments leaving the US must include an accurate six-digit HS code. Not meeting these expectations may result in delays and increased fees to already high costs.

Beginning September 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will require all commercial international shipments to include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code on customs declarations.

Shipping without an HS code means you run the risk of rejection in the destination country.

1. Starting Sept. 1, 2025, USPS will require a six-digit HS code on all international commercial shipments.

2. Accurate product descriptions are essential to assign the correct HS code and avoid errors.

3. Noncompliance can lead to customs rejection, shipment delays, or incorrect duty charges.

4. Shippers may also need to include the country of origin on customs forms.

5. Businesses should update systems immediately to ensure compliance.

Let AFMS help you navigate these carrier announcements and increases. Over 30 years we've been helping our customers making sure they don't overpay. We will do a No Risk-No Cost evaluation. Please contact us today for your free assessment.

https://www.trade.gov/harmonized-system-hs-codes

06/17/2025

FedEx Package Shipping Fee Changes

FedEx is rolling out a major overhaul to its package shipping fees—effective June through August 2025. 📦 Expect shifts in:

• Delivery Area Surcharges (updated June 2)
• Late Payment Fees (now 9.9% starting June 1)
• Additional Handling, Oversize, DAS, Unauthorized Package penalties (in effect from July 14)
• New parcel pickup pricing in the U.S. & Canada (phased in starting August 18)

These updates affect everything from dimensional-weight changes to surcharges on heavy or oversized packages. If you're managing parcel volume, these could significantly reshape your shipping spend.

💡 AFMS breaks it all down with clear dates, fee adjustments, and action steps to help you stay ahead.
🔗 Dive into the full breakdown here: https://loom.ly/ESRoMbY

For more details The following fee changes will take effect for FedEx package shipping services. Please check your FedEx shipping agreement to determine the net impact of these changes on your shipping costs. Effective Aug. 18, 2025 FedEx will use a new pricing structure for parcel pickups occurring...

04/08/2025

Big Changes Coming to UPS SurePost!

UPS is rebranding SurePost to UPS Ground Economy — but what does this mean for your business?

AFMS breaks down:
✅ What’s changing (and what’s staying the same)
✅ How it impacts shipping costs & delivery times
✅ What shippers should do next

🔗 Read the full blog: https://loom.ly/GskQHaY

Effective March 31st, UPS has announced the “rebranding” of UPS SurePost to UPS Ground Saver. Following a similar move taken by FedEx back in 2021 “rebranding” their comparable FedEx SmartPost service to FedEx Ground Economy. Highlighting both carrier’s termination of their agreement with ...

03/07/2025

UPS to add Variety of Payment Fees to a growing list of Accessorial and Surcharges…

Starting March 31st, UPS is introducing new payment processing fees and increasing fuel surcharges. Ensure you're prepared for these changes to avoid unexpected costs. 💸

Key Updates:

• Payment Processing Fees: Additional charges will apply based on your payment method.​
Fuel Surcharge Increase: Effective March 10th, U.S. Ground and SurePost services will see a 0.5% hike in fuel surcharges.​
• Zone Adjustments: On March 24th, UPS will modify zones for certain origin/destination ZIP code pairs.​

For a comprehensive analysis of how these changes might impact your shipping costs, contact the experts at AFMS. • • Our team of former UPS, FedEx, and DHL pricing directors can help you navigate these updates and optimize your shipping strategy.​

https://loom.ly/cF7xfhc

Effective March 31 st , UPS will add multiple payment type processing fees to all customer’s invoices. UPS will begin to make it more costly to not only ship a package but pay for it as well. Consider the following changes: Payment Processing Fuel Surcharge Effective March 10 th –