Beat peak season shipping fees with discounted FedEx rates

It’s that time of year when holiday shipping costs start to climb across major carriers. Beginning in late September, FedEx and UPS apply tiered peak season surcharges that last through mid-January.

These temporary demand fees are meant to handle the surge in packages, but they can drive up costs quickly—especially for oversized shipments, special-handling packages, and residential deliveries.

If your business ships regularly, these charges can eat into your profit margins fast. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or offset these seasonal fees, starting with discounted FedEx shipping rates available to small businesses.

How to offset peak season shipping costs

One of the simplest ways to lower costs is to join a discounted small business shipping program designed to protect your budget during high-demand periods.

Members of the Excelerate America GPO get access to exclusive FedEx discounts of up to 50% off shipments through the FedEx Advantage Program. These savings help offset peak season surcharges and keep your holiday shipping spend predictable.

Tips to control your shipping budget this season

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead and minimize your costs.

✅ Ship early: Avoid last-minute delivery rush fees.
✅ Right-size your packaging: Prevent oversize and dimensional weight charges.
✅ Compare services: Choose the most cost-effective shipping option for each order.
✅ Leverage your discounts: Make sure your FedEx Advantage savings are active before peak season begins.

By being proactive, you can keep your customers happy and protect your bottom line.

How the FedEx Advantage Program Works

Getting started is free.

• Already ship with FedEx? Simply enroll, and your discounts will automatically apply to your existing account.
• New to FedEx? You can open an account during enrollment—the form only takes a few minutes, and your account will be ready in 7-10 business days.

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll immediately start saving on eligible shipments, helping your business stay competitive through the holiday rush and into the new year.