Tips & Solutions
How Package Dimensions Impact Shipping Costs
Do you know how package dimensions affect shipping costs? We'll go over everything you need to know in this blog post here.
According to Easyship data, shipments with standard and basic tracking went up 1202% in 2021 because buyers and sellers were more cost-sensitive. With this, merchants have to learn how to deal with package dimensions costs to keep up with consumer demand. Customers must also be aware that additional surcharges depend on the weight of the parcel.
Both eCommerce merchants and consumers want affordable shipping, but retail shipping costs are on the rise. In fact, global freight rates reached a record price of over $10,800 in 2021.
In this blog post, we’ll go over all the necessary things you need to know about packaging dimensions and how Easyship can help alleviate rising costs.
3 Reasons Why Package Dimensions Impact Cost
With understanding package dimensions, let's consider how and why they have such a huge impact on shipping costs.
Dimensional (DIM) weight
Dimensional weight refers to the amount of space a package takes – not its weight. This means your shipment may be light, but then it occupies more space.
A package might be heavy yet consumes less space on the flip side. Therefore, when calculating your DIM weight, use the formula below:
(Package Length x Width x Height) / DIM divisor
First, you need to multiply the package length, width, height. Then, divide that number by the DIM divisor. Every inch matters when it comes to DIM weight, so make sure you choose the proper packaging for your items.
Additional handling surcharges
Dimensions determine additional surcharges. Carriers often charge extra for packages that require additional handling based on their measurements. These charges vary and are based on the length and weight of the package. However, you will be charged additional handling surcharges based on whichever is higher between the weight and dimension.
UPS charges an extra $8.50 charge for shipments that require special handling. Plus, USPS charges $11.15 for additional handling of parcels. So if you’re shipping an item that requires extra handling, it’s important to be aware of these costs.
Oversize package surcharge
As we’ve said, the shipping cost of a package is partly determined by the size of the package. This means shippers should assume that they would pay more if they are shipping an oversized package like a guitar, furniture, or other items like such.
For USPS and UPS, a large package surcharge will be applied to your shipment if your package exceeds the following:
- USPS: Packages may not be more than 108 inches in total length and girth, and no more than 70 pounds
- UPS: Packages may not be more than 165 inches in total length and girth, and no more than 150 pounds
United States Postal Service (USPS) charges an additional $100 for packages that exceed the mailable limit. On the other hand, UPS charges between $95 to $115 for large packages over the mailable limit.
Related post: Cheapest Way to Ship a Package for the Holidays
How Much Does Shipping a Package Cost?
Whenever you’re shipping a package, it’s essential to understand the general shipping factors that impact the cost. No matter what, the cost to ship a package depends on the following factors:
- Courier service
- Delivery speed
- Weight of package
- Shipping distance
- Package dimensions
This section will consider the costs to ship a package from New York to Los Angeles at various weights.
Shipping with USPS
Below, we calculate the cheapest retail shipping cost by weight for shipping with USPS using the USPS shipping rates calculator.
Shipping with UPS
Below, we calculate the cheapest retail shipping cost by weight for shipping with UPS using the UPS shipping rates calculator.
Shipping with Easyship
Instead of paying retail shipping rates, Easyship saves users up to 70% off discounted retail shipping costs for over 250+ couriers. In addition, using our Shipping Rates Calculator, merchants can get instant rates for all domestic and international shipments.
Shipping with USPS
Below are the calculated shipping rates for a package shipped from New York to Los Angeles with Easyship’s high-volume discounts.
As we can see, Easyship saves merchants on shipping costs. For instance, instead of paying $17.60 for USPS retail shipping costs, merchants can pay $16.45 for the same 3-pound shipment with Easyship. Plus, merchants can enjoy a faster delivery lead time of 2 to 3 business days with pickup and delivery services.
Shipping with UPS
Below are the calculated shipping rates for a package shipped from New York to Los Angeles with Easyship’s high-volume discounts.
As we can see, Easyship merchants save big on UPS retail shipping costs. For example, instead of paying $31.08 for retail UPS Ground service shipping, you can pay $17.74 for the same shipment with Easyship delivery services.
4 Tips for Dealing with Package Dimensions
With rising shipping costs, both merchants must learn to optimize packaging dimensions to avoid unexpected shipping costs.
Use the right-sized packaging
Opting for the right size for your product is the best way to reduce costs whenever you're shipping. Use packages that fit your supplies and this will prevent you from paying extra charges for spaces that you're not using.
Also, consider optimizing your shipping packages by fitting more items into your packages as much as they can occupy. This way, you can potentially avoid spending more on large or oversized packages.
Talk to your courier representative
Whenever you have a question about your package, consider contacting your courier representative. By doing this, merchants can better understand how to create a seamless shipping experience.
Review your invoices
Rates change regularly and it's essential to be in touch with the changes. That’s why you want to review your invoices to ensure shipping rates are up to date and accurate. This will help you avoid unnecessary charges in the future.
Check courier for package limitations
Always check your courier for package dimension limitations before you start shipping away. This way, you can avoid paying unexpected charges.
Easyship Displays Chargeable Weight
Easyship allows users to show chargeable weight and calculation method through the Easyship dashboard.
The chargeable weight and calculation method is saved and visible in Shipment Details, so users can refer to this information for previous shipments.
This solution is helpful for Easyship users, as it provides an extra level of transparency to shipping costs, and there are no surprises when it comes to shipping rates.
So, what does this mean exactly?
"Volumetric weight" and "Actual weight" are two key calculation methods couriers use to calculate shipping costs.
- Actual weight or dead weight: is simply the weight of the shipment measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb)
- Volumetric weight: is a measuring method that uses the length, width, and height to calculate a parcel's overall size and, similar to actual weight, is measured in kilograms or pounds
The calculation method is determined by how the chargeable weight is calculated. Based on the shipping cost rules set by the courier, Easyship will use one of three different calculation methods to calculate the chargeable weight:
- Actual weight
- Volumetric
- USPS Cubic
Overall, by Easyship displaying chargeable weight, it provides an extra level of transparency to shipping costs.
Related post: How Chargeable Weight is Calculated
Package Shipping Prices Are Cheaper with Easyship
By now, you should know that package dimensions have a great impact on shipping costs. First, let’s review how package dimensions impact shipping costs:
- Dimension (DIM) weight
- Additional handling surcharges
- Oversize or large package surcharges
Overall, understanding how package dimensions impact cost is essential for merchants to stay up-to-date about paying for shipments.
To help improve rising shipping costs, Easyship comes in handy for its high-volume shipping discounts. In addition, Easyship offers exclusive features and benefits, such as:
- Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from 250+ couriers. Plus, get access to the best available shipping rates ranging from ground to express critical services
- 24/7 Customer Support: Get 24/7 access to our team of shipping experts so you can craft a frictionless shipping experience without shipping delays
- Global Fulfillment Network: Access our global network of warehouses to help improve transit times, lower shipping costs, and reduce tariff exposure
Before you start shipping away, always make sure you do your research and understand all the required shipping costs for your shipment. This way, merchants can better understand how package dimensions impact shipping costs.
Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and learn how to access the best available shipping rates today
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