Does UPS charge based on size or weight?

UPS Shipping Charges: Understanding Size and Weight Factors

United Parcel Service (UPS) determines shipping costs based on a combination of package dimensions and weight. This is to ensure fair pricing for customers regardless of whether the item is dense or bulky.

How UPS Calculates Shipping Costs

UPS calculates two different weights for each package:

• Actual weight: The physical weight of the package as measured on a scale.
• Dimensional weight: A calculated weight based on the package’s dimensions (length, width, and height).

The Larger of the Two Weights

The final shipping cost is determined by whichever weight is larger: the actual weight or the dimensional weight. This calculation ensures that customers are not penalized for shipping bulky items that are relatively lightweight.

Example

Consider a package with the following dimensions:

• Length: 20 inches
• Width: 15 inches
• Height: 10 inches

The actual weight of the package is 5 pounds.

Using UPS’s dimensional weight formula, the dimensional weight is calculated as:

(Length x Width x Height) / 139 = 21.5 pounds

Since the dimensional weight (21.5 pounds) is larger than the actual weight (5 pounds), the final shipping cost would be based on the dimensional weight.

Benefits of the Size and Weight Calculation

UPS’s size and weight calculation ensures that shipping costs are fair and equitable. It prevents customers from shipping bulky but lightweight items for a lower price than dense, heavy items. This system also encourages shippers to optimize their packaging to reduce both size and weight, leading to potential cost savings.

Conclusion

UPS’s shipping charges consider both package size and weight to determine the final cost. This calculation ensures fairness for customers and encourages efficient packaging. By understanding how UPS calculates shipping costs, businesses can make informed decisions about their shipping strategies and minimize their expenses.