The charges would cover costs such as extra workers hired by UPS and surplus space on trucks or in distribution hubs based on retailers' projections and volume commitments.
"If there are variations to the plan, let's see what we can do, but we should be compensated accordingly," UPS CEO David Abney told the WSJ. He added the charge is just one element in ongoing negotiations with large retail customers related to peak season agreements, not meant to punish them for shortfalls.
Abney also said the new pricing will be handled "on a customer-by-customer basis," taking into consideration its costs associated with any shortfalls.
UPS spokesman Matthew O'Connor said the company is in close communication with major retail customers throughout the year about anticipated needs during the peak holiday season between Black Friday and Christmas.
