Global Logistics 2026: How UPS and FedEx Adapt to New Rules and Why GlobalPost Is Becoming a Key Partner for Ukrainian Exports

Recent financial reports from global express delivery leaders – UPS and FedEx – confirm that international markets are undergoing their most significant transformation in decades. The primary challenges of 2026 include new customs tariffs and the high-profile elimination of de minimis rules in the United States (the threshold for duty-free shipments).

Despite these hurdles, logistics giants are demonstrating how network agility and digitalization help maintain profitability. For Ukrainian businesses and private shippers operating through GlobalPost, these shifts necessitate even more meticulous document preparation and the selection of optimal routes. We aren’t just monitoring these trends; we are actively implementing new service standards to ensure our clients remain unaffected by the impact of global trade wars.

UPS: Adapting to New US Tax Realities

According to fourth-quarter results, UPS recorded a 5.8% decline in international export volumes. The primary reason is a radical shift in delivery routes to the US following the elimination of the de minimis threshold. Previously, a significant portion of small parcels entered the country duty-free, but now every shipment requires full customs clearance.

At GlobalPost, we prepared our systems for these changes in advance. Through direct integration with UPS digital services, our clients benefit from automated customs declaration generation. This avoids long delays at the US border, even as the total number of customs declarations has surged by 300% compared to last year. Our expertise helps businesses adapt to the reality that “cheap” tax-free delivery is a thing of the past, replaced by transparent and predictable imports.

FedEx: Focusing on B2B and New Markets in Asia and Europe

FedEx is also feeling the pressure on traditional China-US routes, leading to a 25% reduction in trans-Pacific air freight capacity. However, the company has quickly pivoted toward the Asia-Europe direction, where over 75% of shipments are now high-yield B2B (business-to-business) cargo.

This creates new opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers exporting goods to the EU. Using the FedEx partner network, GlobalPost offers stable delivery times to Europe. We reroute logistical flows to hubs where our partners are increasing air capacity, ensuring priority processing for our clients’ shipments.

Comparing Market Leaders’ Strategies and the Role of GlobalPost

Why GlobalPost is Your Insurance Against Logistical Chaos

In 2026, the speed of documentation has become more critical than the speed of the aircraft itself. As global giants change the rules, we adapt our solutions for the Ukrainian exporter:

• Customs Law Expertise: Our specialists fully understand the nuances of US de minimis changes and new EU VAT rules. We audit all shipping documents to ensure your parcel clears customs without fines.
• Carrier Flexibility: GlobalPost is not tied to a single operator. If UPS changes a route or FedEx raises rates, we instantly offer alternatives via DHL or other networks.
• End-to-End Service: We handle everything—from picking up cargo at your warehouse to final customs clearance in the destination country.

Technological Modernization and the Future of Logistics

It is fascinating to see UPS and FedEx investing billions in modernization. UPS is acquiring new Boeing 767s to reduce aircraft leasing costs, while FedEx uses AI to predict demand. GlobalPost, in turn, integrates these technological advancements into its service.

The dynamic trade environment will persist at least through the end of 2026. At GlobalPost, we invest in staff training and expanding warehouse capacity to ensure Ukrainian exports remain globally competitive.

If your business is planning regular shipments or preparing to launch on Amazon, Etsy, or other global marketplaces, request a shipping cost calculation for business. We will help you build a resilient logistical model.