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The major international courier companies are rolling out the Demand Surcharge again.
From the end of 2025, they will add a Demand Surcharge to your shipments - and this time it looks set to last into the first quarter of 2026.
The aim is to meet the increasing demand and capacity challenges in the global transport chain, especially during peak season.
The fee isn't new, we've seen it introduced before. But it does affect your bottom line, so let's look at the numbers and see what you can expect.
What is a capacity fee?
A capacity fee - or Demand Surcharge - is a Temporary surcharge per kilo, which carriers use to compensate for the extra costs associated with peak seasons and capacity shortages.
Right now it is Typically between €0.10 and €0.80 per kilo - depending on service and region. It may sound modest, but it can quickly add up to larger volumes.
The majority of carriers will start charging in October 2025 and expect to keep it at least until the end of Q1 2026.
Why is the fee being reintroduced?
In recent years, the logistics industry has experienced:
- Higher flight and freight costs during peak periods
- Unpredictable capacity fluctuations in international networks
- Rising operating and fuel costs
The capacity fee is therefore a tool to ensure that carriers can continue to provide stable and timely services - even under high load.
What should you pay special attention to?
Here are three specific things you should include in your calculations:
1. 1. Include capacity fees in budgets and tenders for 2026
Capacity fees can significantly change the overall economics of your courier shipments - especially if you ship a lot in Q4 and Q1.
2. Check if the oil/fuel surcharge also applies to the capacity fee
Not all operators handle it the same way. For some, the fuel surcharge is also calculated on the capacity fee, making the actual price higher than it appears at first glance.
3. Follow the development continuously
Surcharges change - often from month to month or quarterly depending on market conditions.
No one likes extra fees. But they help keep capacity available and operations stable when the whole market is broadcasting at the same time.
Several carriers have also announced price increases for road transport in Europe from 1 November 2025. If you want to know what you can expect in terms of increases in the different markets, you can Read more about it here.
