Surcharge
Surcharge is a fee added to the base parcel rate for specific conditions, such as residential delivery, delivery area, additional handling, large package, peak season, or fuel.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Surcharges can add a large share to the base rate for DTC brands, since nearly all deliveries are residential.
Common questions
- Why is my shipping invoice higher than the label price?
- Carriers often add surcharges after shipment, such as address corrections, additional handling, or adjustments when the measured size or weight differs from what was entered. A carrier invoice audit shows which charges were added.
Cite this entry
"Surcharge." Fulfillment Lexicon, last reviewed October 16, 2026. https://fulfillment.wiki/glossary/surcharge/