UPS’ Fuel Fees Need to Reflect Current Gas Prices, Class Says

SAN DIEGO (CN) - United Parcel Service refuses to lower its fuel surcharges for ground and air deliveries, even though the price of fuel has dropped substantially since UPS hiked the fees in the summer of 2008, a class action claims in County Court. UPS imposed the fees in December 2000 and then dramatically increased them in 2008, ostensibly to offset then-rising fuel costs, the lawsuit claims.

The fees are allegedly based on the national average price for highway diesel fuel, reported monthly by the U.S. Department of Energy.

But customers claim UPS "has not proportionally reduced its charges" after prices for regular and diesel gas decreased since August 2008.

Plaintiffs seek an injunction barring UPS from charging the purportedly "disproportionate" fuel surcharge.

They are represented by Stephen Morris.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit