UPS Inc. and FedEx will impose a $24 handling surcharge on packages that weigh more than 50 pounds. The fee was previously reserved for parcels of 70 pounds or more, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Medical devices are among products weighing between 50 and 70 pounds, as well as other consumer items like pet food, lounge chairs, exercise equipment and home theater systems.
UPS' new weight regulation took effect Dec. 29; FedEx's will begin Jan. 6.
The carriers said they lowered the weight threshold to ensure proper compensation for the growing number of large and heavy packages that move through their shipping networks.