2026 Shipping Rate Updates
From 1 January 2026, FedEx, UPS, and TUNL will be making annual pricing updates. This article walks you through what’s changing, why it’s happening, and exactly which FedEx lanes and weight bands will remain flat or decrease.
We’ve kept this as simple and straightforward as possible so you can plan for the year ahead with confidence.
Overall Summary
Carrier / Product | Overall change | Notes |
TUNL Economy | 0% (no change) | Prices held the same across all lanes/weights. |
FedEx (overall) | +6% | Increases apply generally except for specific zone/weight bands listed below (some reduced, some flat). |
UPS | +6% | Increases apply across the board |
What’s changing in 2026
FedEx & UPS: 6% annual increase
FedEx and UPS are applying a 6% General Rate Increase (GRI) to their global services. This is the standard annual adjustment major carriers apply to keep up with rising transport, fuel, and operational costs.
TUNL will reflect this industry-wide increase only where unavoidable, and we’ve kept the structure as close to your current rates as possible.
Simple example:
If a shipment costs R500 today, a 6% GRI means it will cost roughly R530 from 5 January 2026.
Why this matters:
Predictability is key when planning margins and forecasting. These changes align your 2026 rates with the updates the major carriers are making globally and ensure your pricing is consistent across lanes.
TUNL Economy: No increase for 2026
TUNL Economy remains unchanged for 2026 — 0% increase.
This product is fully in our control, and keeping it flat is one of the ways we’re helping merchants manage tightening margins and slower US sales. No uplift. No surprises.
FedEx Exceptions: Zones and weight bands that stay flat or decrease
While FedEx is applying a 6% increase overall, a number of zones and weight bands will not increase — and some will see meaningful reductions.
Below are the tables that outline every exception for both FedEx International Priority and FedEx International Economy.
FedEx International Priority
Zone | Region | Weight band (kg) | Change type | % ∆ |
F | EU | 5.5 – 20.5 | Rate reduction | -10% |
F | EU | 45+ | Rate reduction | -3% |
J | Asia / Australia | 5.5 – 20.5 | Rate reduction | -20% |
J | Asia / Australia | 26+ | Rate reduction | -25% |
G | US | 30.5+ | Rate reduction | -15% |
J | Asia / Australia | 1 – 5 | No increase (flat) | 0% |
FedEx International Economy
Zone | Region | Weight band (kg) | Change type | % ∆ |
G | US | 30.5+ | Rate reduction | -15% |
J | Asia / Australia | 26.5+ | Rate reduction | -30% |
D | UK | 25.5+ | No increase (flat) | 0% |
F | EU | 5.5+ | No increase (flat) | 0% |
J | Asia / Australia | 1 – 26 | No increase (flat) | 0% |
FAQs
Why are rates increasing?
The major carriers review their pricing annually and adjust rates to keep up with rising transport, fuel, and operational costs. The 6% increase from FedEx and UPS is their standard global GRI for 2026.
Does this affect all FedEx shipments?
Most lanes and weights will reflect the 6% increase, but several important exceptions — especially in Asia, Australia, and higher weight bands — will remain flat or decrease (see table above).
Is this increase the same across all couriers?
- UPS: full 6% increase across the board.
- FedEx: 6% overall, with exceptions listed above.
- TUNL Economy: unchanged.
When do the new rates take effect?
All updates apply from 5 January 2026.
Do I need to do anything?
No action needed. Your updated rates will automatically apply at checkout and when you create shipments from 5 January onwards.
If you'd like help understanding how these changes affect your specific mix of destinations and weights, we're here to help!
Updated on: 02/12/2025
Thank you!