Effective October 6 2025 to January 16, 2026


GLS has announced its Peak Season Surcharge period for the 2025 holiday season. These temporary fees help GLS maintain reliable service during the busiest shipping months of the year when parcel volumes, staffing demands, and operating costs are at their highest.


During this timeframe, additional charges will apply to specific parcel types, including Special Handling, Oversized, Low Commercial Density Area or Residential, and Over Maximum shipments. These surcharges are added on top of standard accessorial fees.


PEAK SEASON SURCHARGES
Type of Surcharge
Amount
Special Handling
$6.25 per package
Large package
$13.95 per package
Low commercial density area/Residential$0.95 per package 
Over Maximum limits (>10 ft, >150 lbs, >165 circ)$595 per package 


Compare Peak Surcharges Across All Couriers

To view peak season surcharges from other couriers, click here. ShipTime allows you to compare GLS rates alongside trusted national couriers like Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, Purolator, Canpar, DHL, Loomis, and more. This helps you choose the right courier, manage peak-season costs, and keep deliveries moving during the holiday rush.


What Each Surcharge Means

Special Handling

Applied to any item not fully encased in corrugated cardboard or GLS-approved packaging. This includes materials like:

  • Metal, wood, hard plastic, soft plastic, foam

  • Cylindrical products such as pails, tubes, drums, tires, liquids, or glass items that are not boxed


Large Package

Applied when a parcel exceeds 1.50 m in length. GLS does not accept packages longer than 2.00 m on the longest side.


Low Commercial Density Area or Residential

Applied to deliveries going to areas defined by GLS as primarily residential or low in commercial business activity.


Over Maximum Limits

Applied when a package exceeds any of the following thresholds:

  • More than 10 ft in length

  • More than 150 lbs

  • More than 165 in in combined length and girth


What This Means for ShipTime Members

These charges will automatically appear in your GLS rates during the peak period. ShipTime always reflects real-time courier pricing so you can compare your options and choose the best rate available.


If you want help navigating peak season surcharges or selecting the right courier service, our Heroic Support™ team is ready to assist.