Understanding Large Package Surcharges With Ups

what constitutes a large pack surcharge with ups

UPS applies a large package surcharge for packages that exceed their weight and size guidelines and require special handling. This surcharge is triggered when packages meet specific dimensional criteria in one of two ways: when the combined length and girth (calculated as 2 x width + 2 x height) exceed 130 inches but are less than 165 inches, or when the longest side (referred to as length) exceeds 96 inches. For international packages, the same rules apply, except there is no length limit. These oversized packages incur additional costs because they require extra handling, storage space, and labor to process. The cost of the large package surcharge can vary, ranging from $100 to $300 per package. UPS also has an Over Maximum Limits surcharge for packages that exceed certain dimensions or weight limits, which can be significantly higher than the large package surcharge.

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Domestic vs. international packages

UPS provides domestic and international courier services, allowing businesses to access a global customer base. UPS shipping costs vary depending on the package's weight, shipping option, destination, and size or nature of the package.

Domestic Packages

UPS offers domestic ground and air network delivery services to any US state. They also provide time and day-definite delivery, overnight and same-day deliveries, and flat-rate shipping with fixed rates for specific destinations. UPS domestic packages are insured for up to $100 for packages with no declared value. If the goods exceed this value, you can declare a maximum of $50,000 per package or $100,000 per pallet.

International Packages

UPS ships internationally to numerous countries, with higher prices than domestic rates due to the distance covered and unique restrictions per country. They offer guaranteed time/day-definite delivery globally and provide air and freight services depending on shipment urgency.

UPS's international shipping rates vary based on package dimensions, weight, destination, and time of pickup or drop-off. UPS Standard is an economical ground delivery option for less urgent shipments to the US, Mexico, and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. For lightweight items, USPS First Class Package International Service is an affordable option for shipping to over 180 countries.

Large Package Surcharge

UPS applies a large package surcharge for both domestic and international shipments when the package meets specific dimensional criteria. For domestic shipments, the surcharge is applied if the length (longest side) plus girth (width x 2 + height x 2) exceeds 130-165 inches or if the package length is 96-108 inches. For international packages, the surcharge is triggered when the combined length plus girth exceeds 130 inches, with no length limit. These oversized packages incur additional costs due to their handling, storage, and labour requirements. Large packages are billed at a minimum of 90 pounds, and an additional handling charge is usually not assessed when the large package surcharge is applied.

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Length and girth

It's important to note that the size limits indicated by a box manufacturer may not reflect the actual exterior dimensions of a package. Bulges or uneven surfaces can affect the overall dimensions, so it's always advisable to measure each package after packing. Final package dimensions are what matter when determining the potential for a large package surcharge.

To calculate the girth, you need to multiply the width by two and then add it to the height multiplied by two. This formula ensures that the overall dimensions of the package are considered, not just its length. By considering both length and girth, UPS can more accurately assess the handling, storage, and labour requirements for each package.

The large package surcharge is designed to address the additional resources required for oversized packages. These packages take up more space in transportation and storage, impacting UPS's operations and profitability. As such, the surcharge aims to compensate for the extra work and overhead needed to handle these larger shipments.

To avoid unexpected surcharges, shippers should be mindful of UPS's size and weight guidelines. Optimising packaging, breaking down large packages into smaller ones, and regularly auditing invoices can help manage shipping costs. Additionally, shippers can negotiate lower rates with UPS if they have a high volume of shipments. UPS may also offer exemptions or special considerations for certain industries that regularly ship large items, such as furniture retailers or equipment manufacturers. Shippers also have the option to appeal or contest surcharges under certain circumstances, such as when they believe the surcharge was applied in error or if they have taken measures to mitigate package size or weight.

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Weight

For domestic shipments, UPS considers a package as "Large" when its length (longest side) plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches and is less than 165 inches, or if its length exceeds 96 inches. Large Packages are subject to a minimum billable weight of 90 pounds, which means they will be charged as if they weighed 90 pounds, even if their actual weight is lower. This minimum billable weight surcharge is applied in addition to the Large Package Surcharge.

UPS also imposes an Additional Handling Fee for packages with specific weight characteristics. This fee is applied when a package's longest side exceeds 48 inches or when its actual weight is greater than 70 pounds. This surcharge is separate from the Large Package Surcharge and addresses the additional labour and handling requirements for heavier packages.

To optimise shipping costs, businesses should be mindful of UPS's weight guidelines. Packages weighing more than 70 pounds may trigger the Additional Handling Fee, so keeping the weight below this threshold can help avoid extra charges. Additionally, aiming for a package weight under UPS's "heavy package" threshold of 90 pounds can help minimise the financial impact of the minimum billable weight surcharge for Large Packages.

It's worth noting that UPS's weight guidelines and surcharges may change over time. For instance, in 2018, the Large Package Surcharge increased by 14.3% from the previous year, and the Additional Handling Fee saw a 10.6% increase, impacting packages with specific weight characteristics. Shippers should stay updated with UPS's policies and periodically review their weight guidelines to make informed decisions and optimise their shipping costs effectively.

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Additional handling

UPS applies an additional handling surcharge to packages requiring special handling due to their weight, size, or packaging. This fee is separate from the large package surcharge and is not applied if the large package surcharge is already in place.

The additional handling surcharge is incurred when packages meet any of the following criteria:

  • The longest side exceeds 48 inches.
  • The actual weight is greater than 70 pounds.
  • The second-longest side exceeds 30 inches.

The additional handling fee increased by 10.6% in 2018, jumping to $12. Shippers can avoid this surcharge by keeping packages under UPS's thresholds for weight and package dimensions.

UPS also offers exemptions or special considerations for certain types of businesses or industries that regularly ship large items, such as furniture retailers or equipment manufacturers. Shippers can also appeal or contest surcharges under certain circumstances, such as if they believe a surcharge was applied in error or if they have taken measures to mitigate package size or weight. Providing evidence, such as accurate package measurements or photos of the packaged item, may support the shipper's case for contesting the surcharge.

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Over maximum limits

UPS has been actively working to eliminate undesirable freight, specifically targeting large, heavy, and oversized packages that do not align with their shipping network. These oversized packages require additional handling, storage space, and labour to process, which impacts their profits. To compensate for these additional costs, UPS has increased the fees associated with handling oversized packages.

The Over Maximum Limits surcharge applies when packages exceed the specified limits in terms of length, girth, and weight. Packages that exceed 108 inches in length or a combined length and girth of 165 inches are subject to this surcharge. Additionally, packages with an actual weight exceeding 150 pounds are not accepted for transportation in the UPS small package system and are subject to the Over Maximum Limits surcharge. This surcharge is a significant expense, previously costing $500 per package but now ranging from $160 to $300.

To avoid the Over Maximum Limits surcharge, it is crucial to adhere to the specified limits. Shippers can optimise packaging to reduce overall dimensions and weight. Breaking down large packages into smaller ones can be a viable strategy, especially for separable items like furniture or retail goods. Proper packaging techniques and utilisation of appropriate materials can also help minimise unnecessary bulk and shipping costs.

It is important to note that UPS may offer exemptions or special considerations for certain industries that regularly ship large items, such as furniture retailers or equipment manufacturers. Shippers can also negotiate lower rates with UPS, particularly if they are high-volume shippers. In some cases, shippers may have the option to appeal or contest the surcharge if they believe it was applied incorrectly or if they have taken steps to mitigate package size or weight.

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Frequently asked questions

UPS applies a large package surcharge for any shipments that exceed its weight and size guidelines and require special handling.

The UPS large package surcharge can cost between $100 to $145 per package. However, the cost can be as high as $205 to $300 per package.

To avoid a large package surcharge, keep your package under 70 lbs and aim for a length under 48” and the second-longest side under 30”. You can also break down large packages into smaller ones.

Yes, shippers may have the option to appeal or contest UPS large package surcharges under certain circumstances. If a shipper believes that a surcharge was applied in error, they can contact UPS customer service to request a review of the surcharge.

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