How do Fedex/UPS determine rates?

I bet there is a rate for less than 30lbs and another rate for more than 30 lbs

 

First off, this should be in the trading info forum. Secondly, don't you think you could've asked them and gotten a far better answer than you might get here? Or maybe on their websites or something?

 

I kind of wondered that myself. Also is there a flat rate shipping before the cost increases due to higher weight/dimensions of packages?

 

If they traveled the same general direction was there a state border in between the two destinations? I think the distance zones that are used by the shippers use groupings of states and their boundaries on the map for rate increments and cost is not measured by mileage.

 

I think it also depends on the nature of the address. If you're shipping to an apartment building in the middle of a large city, the charge could go up compared to a house in a less congested area. But I think box dimensions and weight have more of an impact on rates than flat distance. Rural areas may cost more as well. A few BAs work for FedEx so maybe you'll get more than idle anecdotal speculation.

 

a combination of where and how much it weighs. also how fast you want them to reach your destination.

https://wwwapps.ups.com/ctc/request?loc=en_US

 

https://www.fedex.com/ratefinder/home

 

Dimensions figure in quite a bit too. They use what is called "dimensional weight."http://www.fedex.com/be/tools/dimweight.html

The calculator basically tells you which aspect of the package is a bigger hassle to them, dimension or weight, and that the shipping calculations will be based on the larger number.

For example - two packages, each 40 pounds. One is 20x20x12 and another is 20x20x15. The first would be a DW of 35 so the rates would be based off of the actual weight. The second would be a DW of 44 so the rates would be based off of the DW. You are basically penalized for using a box that is larger and less dense.

 

I think the size cutoff is 18x18x18 for the rates. Also if it is a rural destination or a more urban is another rate differential.

 

dimensions can make a big factor in cost too, not just weight. I know there has been formulas posted before on this, but I am too lazy to google them

edit: I went ahead and found it:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDwQFjAA&url=http://www.fedex.com/ca_english/customersupport/faq/DimensionalWeight.pdf&ei=cnwSUpyyD4vyyAHCuoEw&usg=AFQjCNGi68bspEYANaTMFYTxSr4eBKAfbQ&sig2=84NHunKaibEvEW_wGfq7-g&bvm=bv.50768961,bs.1,d.aWc

edit #2: Another factor can be if the destination is rural and a pain in the ass to get too. I believe there are sometimes extra "excess" fees added

 

3. Dimensions

 

Looks like a state border exists between your destinations in this map.
http://www.fedex.com/grd/maps/ShowMapEntry.do?CMP=PAC-fxg_g2m_082

 

This...dim weight basically means that the more space your box takes up on the truck, the more you will pay

 

The extra 'fee' with FedEx its called their DAS Res rate, it add $5-10 for shipments that go to BFE (or if you are on some sort of island where its a pain in the arse to get to). I am not sure the UPS term for it, but I know people that live in those places end up getting charged for it every time they ship any package if they go with Pick-Up option.

The biggest cost though is the dimensional weight aspect, and if you are shipping Ground or Home delivery. FedEx charges extra to do Home delivery (which gives you the benefit of getting packages on Saturdays).

Also, don't use a UPS Store or anything similar, as they are their own independent franchise, and will charge you above and beyond what UPS charges as they want to make money as well.

 

Maybe he wanted to see how many douche bag responses he could get here on BA. So, including yours, the count stands at one...

 

This sounds like a dimensions issue. They do it by simply calculating the volume of the box (LxWxH). If the total is over a ceratin number, I'm not sure what that number is, you pay a premium. You can check your dimensions and weight of your package on their website to get an idea of what the cost will be before heading out to FEDEX. I always do this and if the amount for a 15lb box is more than about 15-18 dollars i change boxes.