Purolator Peak Season Surcharges

Purolator may apply temporary Peak Surcharges during periods of increased shipment volume and network demand.

These charges apply in addition to standard transportation rates and other applicable fees. Purolator may modify or extend Peak Surcharges based on shipping conditions and network demand.

For the 2026–2027 peak season, Purolator has announced separate effective periods for its Residential Peak Surcharge and Special Handling Peak Surcharges.

2026–2027 peak season periods

Purolator’s Peak Surcharges apply during the following periods:

• Special Handling Peak Surcharges: October 25, 2026 to January 16, 2027
• Residential Peak Surcharge: November 1, 2026 to January 16, 2027

2026–2027 Purolator peak surcharges

Residential Peak Surcharge

Effective: November 1, 2026 through January 16, 2027.

Special Handling Peak Surcharges

Effective: October 25, 2026 through January 16, 2027.

The applicable Special Handling Peak Surcharge is determined by the type of Special Handling service required for the individual piece, based on Purolator’s current Terms and Conditions of Service.

What do the Purolator surcharges mean?

Additional Handling
May apply to shipments requiring non-standard or manual processing because of their packaging, shape, contents, or other characteristics.

Examples can include:

• unboxed items
• wooden or metal crates
• packages not fully enclosed in a suitable shipping container
• items requiring additional handling because of their packaging or contents

Purolator determines the applicable Special Handling category based on its current terms and packaging requirements.

Oversized
Purolator currently identifies an Oversized piece as one that:

• weighs more than 50 lb (22.68 kg) and up to 150 lb (68.04 kg), or
• has a longest side greater than 48 in (121.92 cm) and up to 108 in (274.32 cm)

Residential Heavyweight
May apply to a shipment weighing more than 70 lb that is delivered to a low-density residential area.

Large Package
May apply when the total package size exceeds 130 in (330.20 cm) and is up to 165 in (419.10 cm).

Large Packages are subject to a minimum billable weight of 90 lb when applicable.

Over Maximum Limit
Applies when a package exceeds one or more of Purolator’s maximum limits:

• weight over 150 lb (68.04 kg)
• total size over 165 in (419.10 cm)
• longest side over 108 in (274.32 cm)

An Over Maximum Limit piece may also be subject to a minimum billable weight of 120 lb. Purolator may refuse packages exceeding its maximum limits.

Can more than one surcharge apply?

Yes.

A Special Handling Peak Surcharge applies in addition to other applicable transportation rates, additional charges, regular Special Handling fees, other Peak Surcharges, and taxes.

This means a shipment may be subject to more than one applicable charge during the peak period.

Contracted discounts that apply to regular Special Handling services do not apply to the corresponding Special Handling Peak Surcharge.

For the latest carrier information, see Purolator Peak Surcharge.

How do these charges appear in ShipTime?

When an applicable Purolator Peak Surcharge is in effect, it is reflected in the applicable shipment pricing during the peak period.

This allows you to compare Purolator with other available courier services before completing your shipment.

Compare peak surcharges across couriers

Peak-season fees can vary by courier, service, package characteristics, and time of year.

When reviewing quotes in ShipTime, consider:

• the total shipment price
• applicable accessorial and peak-season charges
• estimated transit time
• service availability

If you have questions about a Purolator peak-season surcharge appearing on your shipment, contact our Heroic Support™ team and we can help review the charge.

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