TULSA, Okla. –
Some Oklahomans say they are being surprised by extra charges tied to global tariffs, appearing only after their online orders are already on the way.
The added costs follow new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under a different federal law, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down similar tariffs issued last year. Many of the unexpected fees are tied to items shipped from overseas, leaving buyers to pay duties before packages can be delivered.
What are shoppers experiencing?
Mandi Beezley says she ordered two LED name lights and paid for the items and shipping upfront, expecting no additional charges. While tracking the package, she noticed it was traveling internationally.
“Next thing you know, it’s in Pakistan,” Beezley said.
Weeks later, her items arrived along with a nearly $30 bill. After questioning the seller, Beezley says the fee was eventually waived. She says the experience has made her more cautious about where online orders originate.
Are companies passing costs to customers?
Shipping companies say they have little control over the added charges. In statements to News On 6, FedEx and UPS said duties and tariffs are set by the federal government, not by carriers. They say that who pays those fees depends on what the seller selects during shipping.
Companies also acknowledge that when sellers do not cover the cost, it often falls on the buyer.
Full statement from UPS:
“Customs duties and tariffs are levied when goods enter the U.S. They are paid either by the shipper or the receiver, and it’s the shipper’s decision whether they will pay the duties or pass that responsibility on to the receiver. If the shipper or receiver have not paid these costs, or there are changes while the shipment is in transit, UPS generates a bill so the shipment can be released by CBP. Brokers, including UPS, submit the payment of the duties collected directly to the U.S. government.
Brokers uses customer-supplied information about a shipment to calculate the duties and fees, based on regulations from CBP and other government agencies. This is known as “rating” a package, and it’s based on the specific item(s) being imported and their country of origin. UPS’s brokers are highly trained and use sophisticated technology to ensure accuracy in calculating the appropriate duty and fees due.
The best way to pay fees is online before delivery. Start by tracking your package on UPS.com. If a yellow banner appears, click the Pay Now link. You will be taken to a page to see details on the fees and view payment options. Your delivery driver may also be able to accept payment, via check, at the time of delivery. For the best delivery experience possible, please pay online at UPS.com prior to delivery.”
Full statement from FedEx:
“We remain focused on supporting our customers in adapting to the latest regulatory requirements. It is important for customers to have paperwork completed correctly ahead of pick-up so shipments can continue to move seamlessly through our network to their final destinations. FedEx has an experienced team of clearance and compliance experts who are continuing to enable the movement of shipments across borders of the more than 220 countries and territories we serve. Visit our website here to learn more about how to navigate tariffs and customs regulations. Tools like FedEx International Shipping Assist are available to help shippers complete paperwork and estimate duties and taxes. Our Regulatory Shipping News resource is also available for customers to stay up to date on the latest developments.
We also have resources on our website, including an FAQ that addresses the package recipient experience as it relates to receiving tariff invoices, which I’ve pasted below for easy reference.
- First, it’s important to underscore that the answers to the questions “how much are the duties/taxes?” and “who gets invoiced for them?” are not determined by logistics companies like FedEx. Logistics companies facilitate the payment of required duties and taxes to the government on behalf of the seller/buyer. These are not fees TO the logistics provider, nor are they considered “shipping fees.”
- When completing an international shipping label, shipping customers can either select themselves (“the shipper”), the recipient (or “the buyer”), or a third party to be responsible for payment of any duties and taxes.
- Whether or not a recipient/buyer receives an invoice for duties and taxes directly depends on what the seller chooses when setting up a shipment.
- If a party is not selected on the shipping label, the recipient will default as the party responsible for paying duties and taxes.
If the shipper does not proactively inform the recipient about a responsibility to pay duties and taxes on their purchase, the recipient will be informed of the duties and taxes owed when they receive an invoice from the logistics provider.
What recipients should know:
- When making a purchase, pay attention to whether the seller has already factored duties and taxes into the transaction. Contact the seller if the responsibility is unclear to help avoid surprises.
- Upon receiving an invoice via mail, recipients can pay outstanding duties and taxes electronically, or via phone or mail. Instructions for each option are included on the invoice.
Another example of surprise fees
Mike Abbey says he ran into a similar issue after ordering a replacement part for a couch. He says the factory was overseas, and the shipment triggered additional charges.
Abbey paid a $21 bill to avoid delivery delays but says the breakdown surprised him.
“There was a small tariff that was the cause of all of it in the end,” Abbey said. “But the bulk of it was the storage fee that FedEx charged.”
How can buyers avoid surprise charges?
FedEx and UPS say the best way to avoid unexpected fees is to check where an item is shipping from and whether duties and tariffs are included before buying, especially when ordering online from overseas.
They also say customers can often pay tariff-related fees online before delivery. If no one is designated to cover the cost, the bill typically goes to the buyer.
