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Small package shipments come with a large list of terms, conditions, rules, and calculations that are important to understand. So, we’ve broken down the information your business needs about how small package express, ground, and international shipment weight and dimensions can affect rates and what limitations exist so you can save time, trouble, and money.

IS YOUR HEADSPINNING YET?

Understanding Small Package Weight and Size Limits*

*Any information or statements in this document concerning or relating to the terms of service of United Parcel Service, Inc. or any of its affiliates (“UPS”) are solely the opinions, interpretations and/or characterizations of Unishippers and have not been approved or sanctioned by UPS. This document should not be relied upon by any shipper to provide UPS shipping terms. Notwithstanding anything in this document, all shipments with UPS shall be governed exclusively by UPS’s published terms and conditions governing such service and any applicable contract terms between UPS and the shipper. For a complete and accurate description of applicable terms for UPS shipments, visit UPS.com.

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Table of Contents

Understanding the Terminology .............................................................................................3How is Dimensional Weight Calculated?................................................................................4Why is Dimensional Weight Necessary? ................................................................................4Bottom Line: State the Weight ..............................................................................................5Understanding Weight and Size Limits ...................................................................................6

Most Common Charges Related to Weight and Size ..................................................................7

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Understanding the TerminologyFirst and foremost, let’s break down what all these terms surrounding weight and size actually mean.

Actual Weight How much your package actually weighs (stick it on a scale).

Dimensional Weight A number determined using the dimensions of your package and a formula established in the carrier’s shipping terms.

Billable Weight The weight used to calculate your rate (this can be either the actual weight or the dimensional weight – whichever is bigger will be used).

Cubic Inches Your shipment’s length x width x height (all in inches, rounded up). It’s a measurement used in the dimensional weight calculation.

Cubic Foot When (length x width x height) in inches equals 1,728.

Girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)]. It’s a measurement used to help determine if your package meets the carrier’s size limits and if it’s subject to a Large Package Surcharge, Oversize Charge, Over Maximum Limits Charge, etc.

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Why is Dimensional Weight Necessary?Recent e-commerce shipping trends have resulted in a decrease in package density. (Think: bigger, lighter boxes, taking up more space on trucks and planes.) Using dimensional weight is in response to this industry-wide trend. Most major express and ground carriers are looking to encourage their shippers to better optimize their packaging, which will lead to reductions in fuel use, vehicle emissions, and transportation costs.

Your business can follow these quick tips to help lower your shipment’s dim weight.

• Use smaller, tighter packaging

• Avoid over-boxing

• If possible, for lighter items, pack more in your box

Additionally, some carriers have package design and test lab services that can help shippers optimize their packaging to reduce shipping costs.

A 3PL experienced in small package shipping can thoroughly analyze your business’s unique requirements and shipping patterns to provide detailed cost comparisons.

How is Dimensional Weight Calculated?Basically, dimensional weight is determined by multiplying a package’s length, width, and height and then dividing by a specified number.

Shippping air is expensive.

12”

15”

10”

Actual 10 lbsDIM Weight12.9 lbs

Actual 100 lbsDIM Weight12.9 lbs

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Bottom Line: State the Weight (and the Dimensions)For many shippers, dimensional weight can result in additional charges to shipping invoices. But there is an easy step that you and your business can take to avoid surprises:

Always enter the dimensions and the weight!

If you don’t enter in the dimensions and weight, or you provide incorrect dimensions and weight, the carrier has the right to audit the shipment, verify the weight and dimensions, and make appropriate adjustments to your shipping charges.

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Understanding Weight and Size Limits In addition to entering in the exact dimensions and weight of your packages to avoid shipping adjustments due to dimensional weight, it’s also important to do so in order to anticipate – or avoid – additional charges related to carrier’s weight and size limits.

Unauthorized Packages Due to Maximum Weight and Size Restrictions

Many carriers have maximum weight and size limits. Packages found in their systems that exceed these limits are technically unauthorized/not accepted for transport and may be refused or returned to the shipper. In some cases, the package may be accepted and delivered, but it will still be subject to additional charges.

Take Note! Even if your package does not exceed the carrier’s weight and size restrictions, it can still be subject to other oversize/large package surcharges that have different parameters.

How Do I Avoid These Charges?

As always, enter in the correct weight and dimensions of your shipment. In doing so, the system will be able to alert you if your package exceeds the carrier’s weight and size limits. If your package exceeds the limit, it may be time to consider using a freight service for your shipment. (Hint: Unishippers offers small package and freight shipping services from the same website.)

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Most Common Charges Related to Weight and Size Even if your package doesn’t exceed the carrier’s maximum weight and size limits, there are still other charges that can apply if your package is considered “oversized” or “large.” The most common charges are provided below along with any associated weight and size parameters.

Additional Handling Fees

An Additional Handling Fee is assessed when your package could cause an issue with a carrier’s conveyor belts, slides, and sorting machines. Any shipment that requires special handling, such as an irregular or heavy package, may be charged an Additional Handling Fee at the discretion of the carrier. Other examples include packages that are encased in a shipping container other than a corrugated cardboard box (or not encased in a container at all) and packages that use external string or other binding materials.

Large or Oversize Package Surcharges

Carriers typically charge a premium for shipments that they consider large or oversized. Packages with an actual weight of more than 90 lbs. and boxes that have a combined girth of more than 130” are typically subject to these charges. Guidelines for Express shipments can be even more strict.

Wait, How Am I Supposed to Remember All These Weight & Size Rules?

You really don’t have to! If you always enter in the correct dimensions and weight of your shipment, the shipping system will either: 1) alert you that an additional handling surcharge will apply or 2) automatically add the Large Package or Oversize charge to your quote.

It’s simply important to be aware of potential fees for additional handling and for large or oversize packages so you’re not not surprised with unexpected shipping charges. For additional information and guidelines, be sure to visit your specific carrier’s website.

Seemingly small and often-overlooked steps like entering in your dimensions, evaluating your packaging and shipping patterns, and analyzing your business’s shipping processes can end up saving you headaches and surprises on your final bills.

If you’re unsure of what impact your shipment’s dimensions have on your business’s shipping costs, contact Unishippers for a free shipping assessment. Often, we find that making simple changes can result in big savings. And, you’ll reap the rewards of these discoveries no matter what shipping partner you select.

Shipping Experts Can Help

Contact Unishippers Today

www.unishippers.com