FedEx and UPS Freight Charges

The purpose of this page is to show you why some of our large packages seem expensive to ship. We will always use the 'best cost' method in computing your expenses. The extra packaging that we do prior to shipping is to insure that your item arrives in good condition. Also, please note, that we always automatically insure your packages.

FedEx Rates and UPS USPS New Rate Changes*



Dimensional Weight Replaces Oversize in 2007

Effective Feb. 5, 2007, the shipping charges for larger-size FedEx and UPS Ground packages will be calculated based on dimensional weight rather than on oversize package definitions.
Dimensional weight is based on volume (the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight). If the cubic size of your FedEx Ground package measures three cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or greater, you will be charged the greater of the dimensional weight or the actual weight. Shipping charges for packages smaller than three cubic feet are based on actual weight.

Dimensional weight (also referred to as "dim" weight) is used when packages are large in volume, but do not weigh much. For example, the shipping cost of a large box of popcorn (which does not weigh very much) may be based on the dimensional weight because of the amount of space it takes on an aircraft.

Determining Dimensional Weight
To determine if dimensional weight applies to your package, follow these steps:

1. Measure the length, width and height in inches, rounding dimensions of half an inch or more to the next full inch. Drop any fractions that are less than half an inch. Then multiply these numbers together. This is the cubic size of your package. If the cubic size is less than 5,184 cubic inches, the actual weight becomes the billable weight. If the cubic size is 5,184 cubic inches or greater, proceed to step 2.

2. Divide the cubic size by 194 (for U.S. and Puerto Rico shipments) or 166 (for Canada shipments), rounding up to the nearest whole pound. This is the dimensional weight of your package.

3. Compare this number with the actual weight of your package. Price your shipment based on the greater of the two values.

Examples of Calculating Dimensional Weight

Here are some examples to help you better understand how dimensional weight works for determining billable weight.

Example 1:
Actual weight: 28 lbs.
Length: 30 inches
Width: 15 inches
Height: 15 inches
Cubic size calculation: 30" x 15" x 15" = 6,750 cubic inches Dimensional weight calculation: 6,750/194 = 35 lbs. Because dimensional weight (35 lbs.) is greater than actual weight (28 lbs.), 35 lbs. becomes the billable weight.

Example 2:
Actual weight: 28 lbs.
Length: 35 inches
Width: 15 inches
Height: 8 inches
Cubic size calculation: 35" x 15" x 8" = 4,200 cubic inches Because the cubic size in inches is less than 5,184, dimensional weight does not apply. The actual weight becomes the billable weight.