Seller Academy weekly update: 3 November 2026

This week’s changes to packing, posting and customs that matter to sellers on The Kosher Shop. Check each item against the way you ship before your next parcel goes out, and remember the packing photo before every shipment.

UPS: 2027 daily rates go up by an average of 5.9% on 21 December

• What changed: UPS daily rates for UPS Ground, UPS Air and international services rise by an average net 5.9%. On the same day the minimum billable weight for packages that need Additional Handling rises from 40 lbs to 50 lbs. Your own increase depends on the weight, size and zone of your parcels.
• Who it affects: US sellers who ship with UPS at daily rates.
• What you must do: Check your parcels against the new UPS rates before 21 December and update your shipping prices in your shop. Pack in boxes that fit the item, so fewer parcels fall into Additional Handling.
• Effective date: 21 December 2026
• Source: UPS: Shipping zones and rates (2027 UPS Daily Rates information)

FedEx: holiday peak surcharges from 23 November to 27 December

• What changed: FedEx demand surcharges on US domestic parcels rise for the holiday peak. Per package: Ground and Home Delivery residential from $0.50 to $0.80; Additional Handling from $8.80 to $11.85; Oversize from $95.75 to $117.25; Overnight services from $1.30 to $2.55; 2Day and Express Saver from $1.20 to $2.35. The amounts go back down on 28 December and run until 17 January 2027.
• Who it affects: US sellers who ship with FedEx.
• What you must do: Include the peak surcharge in your shipping prices for Chanukah and Christmas orders. Chanukah begins on the evening of Friday 4 December 2026, so plan cut-off dates early.
• Effective date: 23 November to 27 December 2026
• Source: FedEx: Demand surcharges

USPS: a weekly fuel surcharge on parcels from January 2027

• What changed: USPS will add a fuel surcharge to domestic USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Parcel Select. It is a percentage of the postage and changes every week with US fuel prices. The temporary 8% price increase on these products ends on 17 January 2027. There is no January 2027 price change for First-Class Mail.
• Who it affects: US sellers who ship with USPS.
• What you must do: Expect your USPS parcel cost to move from week to week in 2027. Check the current surcharge before you set shipping prices, or add a small margin to cover it.
• Effective date: January 2027 (USPS will publish the exact date and each weekly percentage)
• Source: USPS PostalPro: Fuel surcharge implementation FAQs

Guides changed this week

None. Our Seller Academy guides are still correct; the items above add detail to Choosing a courier and our packing standard.

These guides are practical help, not legal advice.