Since Oct. 1, DHL Express has charged a demand surcharge on international express shipments for US accounts, and it runs to Feb. 5. It is charged per pound of billed weight, it is highest on boxes from China and Hong Kong at $1.03 a pound, and the fuel surcharge applies to it as well.

DHL Group then raised its full-year profit outlook, citing “indications of a robust seasonal peak in Q4.” DHL said tight air freight capacity added about €100 million to its express unit’s Q3 profit.

DHL says air cargo space is still short and expects a strong holiday peak, and its surcharge is set to run until February. Capacity has been tight since Middle East airspace closed after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Because the charge is set per pound, the heaviest boxes from Asia take the biggest hit.

DHL’s peak charge on an express box into the US depends on where it starts:

Boxes from China and Hong Kong pay about four times the Europe rate.

For example, an express box billed at 20 pounds from Shenzhen to Chicago carries $20.60 in peak surcharge before fuel, by our math. The same box from Germany carries $5.00. Sent on DHL’s slower Day Definite service, either box carries $1.40.

DHL’s base rates rise next. DHL said US account holders will see a 5.9% average increase on Jan. 1, and its customer notice says the change applies to discounted rates and agreements where contracts allow. DHL also says peak charge amounts and dates may change during the season, with prior notice.