December 12 2020

FedEx Zip Code Surcharges and New ORM-D Classification Changes

FedEx Zip Code Surcharges

On January 18, 2021, they will start imposing pickup/delivery surcharges on specific zip codes in the US.  They have been the only carrier in the LTL industry to not impose these types of charges already.  Attached is a list of each affected zip code.  The breakdown is 6,929 zip codes which is 14% of all zips in the contiguous US. 

Approximately 5% Sunset customers may be affected by additional surcharges.  Below is a breakdown of the total surcharges by Sunset customer.  View the actual release from Fedex explaining the fees. 

highcostfedexarea dec

ORM-D Classification Charges

The final day to use the Other Regulated Materials-D (ORM-D) classification for US highway shipments is December 31, 2020. The ORM-D designation for hazardous materials packages shipped by ground can no longer be used on January 1, 2021. 

In most cases the same materials, in the same quantities, in the same packaging, will continue to qualify for relief under US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) limited quantity regulations after ORM-D is phased out. You should refer to the DOT Chemical table to know if your materials are eligible to be shipped as limited quantity.  Limited quantity shipments are typically excepted from UN specification packaging, hazmat labels, shipping papers, and hazmat placards. 

What will change is the label you affix to your packages:

ORM D sticker

You must use the “new” white square-on-point limited quantity marking for shipments shown above. If you ship liquids, orientation arrows are also required [49 CFR 172.312(a)(2)]. Work with your preferred label supplier to obtain the new labels required for use beginning January 1, 2021.  Shippers of limited quantities of hazardous materials are required by the DOT to have hazmat training in place for all employees who can affect the safety of hazmat shipments in transport. 49 CFR 172.704 requires that all employees receive general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific hazmat training.

For questions, contact [email protected]