Dive Brief
- Amazon Shipping will apply peak season surcharges from October 26, 2025, to January 17, 2026. The highest fees fall between November 23 and December 27.
- The surcharges include a new per-package fee and higher charges for parcels that are large, heavy, or need extra handling. Rates are higher than 2024, but the volume-based surcharge used last year has been removed.
Amazon’s 2025 Holiday Fees
| Period | Per-Package Surcharge | Additional Handling | Large Package | Extra Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 26 – Nov. 22 | $0.40 | $8.25 | $90 | $485 |
| Nov. 23 – Dec. 27 | $0.60 | $10.80 | $107 | $540 |
| Dec. 28 – Jan. 17 | $0.40 | $8.25 | $90 | $485 |
If you ship 10,000 orders in December, you will pay an extra $6,000 in surcharges, not counting higher fees for large or heavy items.
Why These Surcharges Exist
Amazon says these fees cover extra costs during the holiday rush. They need more drivers, trucks, and warehouse space. Surcharges also help limit oversized packages so the system does not get clogged.
The goal is to keep deliveries on time, but the cost is passed to sellers.
What This Means for Sellers
The timing makes it tough. Q4 is the biggest sales period, and now higher costs cut into profit.
A seller shipping 5,000 orders in December will spend thousands more. A larger brand sending 15,000 orders may face tens of thousands in added costs. For some, this could turn a profitable season into a break-even one.
Customers still expect fast delivery. A Shopify Plus survey in 2025 found that 73% of shoppers return to brands because of quick shipping, while 62% of companies say rising fees are their top concern. You cannot slow down orders, but you also cannot absorb unlimited charges.
How Sellers Can Plan Ahead
The best way to manage peak costs is to add flexibility.
Placing inventory in U.S. warehouses before October 26 shortens delivery distance and avoids the steepest surcharges. It also gives you two-to-four day delivery, which buyers now expect as standard.
Balancing fulfillment between Amazon FBA and a U.S. partner helps too. FBA is still important for Prime placement, but a 3PL gives you another path if costs rise. Using FBA prep services also prevents mistakes that can delay inventory or cause Amazon to reject shipments.
How Lansil Global Helps You Stay Ahead
Lansil Global has supported ecommerce brands since 2015, delivering over 15 million packages worldwide.
We run two U.S. warehouses in Nevada and Pennsylvania that give sellers fast two-to-four day delivery nationwide. Our China hub in Shenzhen manages factory coordination, quality checks, and export prep so goods move smoothly into the U.S.
We also handle Amazon FBA prep. Items are labeled, packaged, and bundled correctly before arriving at Amazon warehouses. This reduces rejections, avoids delays, and keeps your stock ready to sell during the busiest season.
See how Lansil Global’s U.S. fulfillment and Amazon FBA services can help your brand succeed in Q4 2025. Contact us today.
