Anyone sending packages in November and December will pay peak season surcharges with most shipping carriers—and should clarify their own terms, capacity, and cutoff dates now. Last year’s figures serve as a guide: In 2025, DHL charged business customers 19 cents per package, with an additional 50 cents for the first time around Black Friday. Specific announcements for the 2026 peak season are expected in the coming weeks.
At a Glance
- In 2025, DHL charged business customers a €0.19 peak surcharge per package (Nov.–Dec.) – plus, for the first time, a €0.50 “Peak-in-Peak” surcharge around Black Friday (Nov. 24–Dec. 7).
- As of January 1, 2026, DHL raised its business customer rates again —the base rate for the 2026 peak season is higher than in the previous year.
- GLS, DPD, and Hermes have also recently imposed peak surcharges; the amounts and time periods are specified in the respective contracts or price lists.
- As of: Previous year’s peak. Carriers typically announce their 2026 peak rates in the fall—be sure to actively obtain price lists now.
What peak surcharges are DHL & Co. charging?
The figures from the 2025 peak season can currently be reliably cited—they serve as a reference, not a commitment for 2026. In addition to DHL, other package delivery services have also recently imposed seasonal surcharges:
| Surcharge | Amount (2025 Peak, Reference) | 2025 Period |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Peak surcharge (business customers) | €0.19 per package | November–December |
| DHL “Peak-in-Peak” (first in 2025) | additional €0.50 per package | Nov. 24–Dec. 7 |
| GLS, DPD, Hermes | Peak/seasonal surcharges were also recently imposed; amounts vary by contract and price list | Q4 each year |
Important to note: In 2026, these surcharges will be added on top of already increased base rates—DHL raised its business customer rates at the start of the year. At the time of publication, the complete 2026 peak terms were not yet available; merchants should request the current price lists from all carriers they use.
How do I factor peak surcharges into shipping costs?
The decision must be made before the peak period—with three options: absorb the surcharges (at the expense of profit margin), pass them on to customers (adjust shipping costs), or combine approaches, such as by raising the free shipping threshold. Here’s a calculation using 2025 reference values: 5,000 DHL packages in November and December incur a €950 peak surcharge; if 2,000 of these fall within the “peak-within-peak” window, an additional €1,000 is added—nearly €2,000 in surcharges alone. Anyone considering passing on these costs should clearly distinguish between their own purchase price from the carrier and the shipping costs listed in the store—our article “Postage vs. Shipping Costs” explains these terms.
How do I secure capacity and cutoff dates?
Directly with the carrier—and in writing. Three points should be on the agenda: pickup times and possible additional pickups, drop-off limits (some depots cap daily volumes), and the binding deadlines for “delivery by Christmas Eve.” The order cutoff for the online store is determined by the carrier’s schedule, processing time, and a buffer. Our Shipping & Delivery guide summarizes what you generally need to keep in mind when specifying shipping and delivery times.
Why is a second carrier part of risk management?
Because the peak season reveals bottlenecks that go unnoticed in the summer: strikes, full depots, regional delivery problems, or an exhausted drop-off limit. A second shipping provider is then the difference between “shipping delayed” and “shipping continues.” Added to this are a stronger negotiating position and the providers’ different areas of strength. Timing is crucial: integration and test runs should take place in October, not the week before Black Friday.
What items should be on the peak season checklist?
- Obtain 2026 rate sheets: Request surcharge notices from all carriers and compare them with the previous year’s figures.
- Decide on the cost allocation: absorb, pass on, or mix—with an eye on the contribution margin per order.
- Set cut-offs: Clarify Christmas Eve deadlines and communicate your own order cut-off in the store.
- Clarify capacities: Obtain written confirmation of pickup times, additional pickups, and drop-off limits.
- Integrate a second carrier: Complete the integration and test shipments in October.
- Plan materials and staffing: Stock up on packaging materials and schedule shipping staff for the peak weeks.
How XONIC Supports Multi-Carrier Shipping
The XONIC Shop System includes interfaces with more than 11 shipping carriers—shipping labels are generated directly from the order management system, and tracking numbers are automatically sent to customers. A second carrier can be activated this way without custom development; shipping methods and costs are configurable based on destination country and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shipping Peak
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Stephan Dunger
Stephan Dunger is one of the brains behind the XONIC store system. He has been developing the platform together with the team since 2012 - from the database to the interfaces to the checkout.
A passionate programmer, technical mind and consultant at the same time: with his in-depth knowledge of store systems and e-commerce, Stephan combines the depth of a developer with an eye for the big picture. Together with the XONIC team, he shapes the technical direction, consistently thinks about functions from the retailer's perspective and advises on customized solutions.
The result is software with a face: customers don't get an anonymous provider, but a direct line to the people who develop XONIC. Pragmatic, fast and at eye level.
