The rising cost of jet fuel has had a ripple effect across the aviation industry, influencing not only passenger ticket prices but also the costs of air freight. Airlines and logistics companies have responded by adjusting their rates, often through fuel surcharges that are added to shipping costs. These surcharges are tied to the volatile price of jet fuel, which has seen a significant increase in recent years. Major logistics companies such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS have each made changes to their pricing structures, though these adjustments are influenced by a range of factors beyond just fuel prices, including inflation, personnel costs, and currency fluctuations. In France, DHL Express announced a 4.9% increase in its export rates and a 5.9% increase in its import rates, effective January 1, 2027. The company explained that this annual adjustment is due to a combination of rising energy costs, inflation, currency changes, security requirements, and evolving customs procedures. DHL's CEO in France, Philippe Prétat, stated that these changes are necessary to ensure the continued quality and reliability of its services for customers. In the United States, FedEx raised its public rates for domestic, export, and import packages by an average of 5.9%, effective January 4, 2027. This marks the fourth consecutive year of similar rate increases, according to the media outlet Supply Chain Dive. Meanwhile, UPS has not implemented a general rate increase for 2027. Instead, it uses variable fuel surcharges and applies additional charges during periods of high demand, such as during the holiday season. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected that jet fuel prices would average $152 per barrel in 2026, a 70% increase from the previous year. This rise in fuel prices has contributed to a 6.5% increase in air freight yields after three years of decline. According to The Loadstar, DHL Aviation increased its fuel surcharge for long-haul freight departing from Hong Kong from 6.80 to 12.30 Hong Kong dollars per kilogram between early July and September 21, 2026 — a rise of over 80%. These surcharges are adjusted weekly when the reference jet fuel index exceeds a specific threshold. Freight prices are also influenced by the availability of capacity, demand, and the specific routes used. According to data from Xeneta, the global spot rate for air freight reached $3.13 per kilogram in August 2026, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2025 but 3% lower than in July 2026. DHL, FedEx, and UPS have each adapted their pricing strategies in response to these challenges, with DHL emphasizing annual rate adjustments as separate from more frequent fuel surcharges. FedEx's increase continues a long-term trend, while UPS continues to use weekly fuel surcharge adjustments and additional charges during peak seasons.