Most efficient shipper size/weight ....

Discussion in 'Trade Talk' started by dbannister, Oct 22, 2014.

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  1. dbannister

    dbannister Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2014 California
    Trader

    Hello,

    Has anyone done any studies on what is the most efficient size of box to use and also the weight?

    I've asked FedEx about this several times and they refuse to give me any info on it...

    I've noticed that if I use the same box to ship to the same place, the price will vary dramatically with a very small difference in weight.

    I'm hoping someone may have figured out the thresholds. Otherwise, I'm going to try and figure this one out.

    Cheers!
     
    #1 dbannister, Oct 22, 2014
  2. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

    I know that at the beginning of 2015, both UPS and FedEx are going to strictly dimensional weight on all boxes. Right now, and anyone please correct me if I am mistaken, they only use dimensional weight on oversized or awkwardly sized boxes. Here's an example: the dimensions of your box is 17x16x16, but the exact weight is 26 pounds. Multiply (and always start with larger number) 17x16x16 = 4352. Their base number is 5184. Since 4352 is not over the base number, they use exact weight. Say your box is 30x16x16 = 7680. It is over the base number. They then dived 7680 by 166. (I have no idea why 166.) that comes out to 46.26. They round up, so the dimensional weight is now 47 pounds on a box that actually weighs 26 pounds. I have also been told that base number will be lowered at the first of the year, meaning rates will probably go up.
    This is why I try to use as square of a box as possible. It helps to keep dimensions in check.

    On average I use a 14x14x14 box. Depending how you pack, you can pad the box well and have room for plenty of beer. I also box with in a box, so I drop that box in a 16x16x15 surrounded by packing peanuts. (Not everyone does that.) The dimensions still come well within the base number of 5184.

    I apologize for being a bit long winded. I hope this is the answer you were looking for, and that it helps.
     
    #2 creepinjeeper, Oct 23, 2014
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  3. dbannister

    dbannister Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2014 California
    Trader

    Thanks creepinjeeper! This was extremely helpful.
     
    #3 dbannister, Oct 23, 2014
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  4. JohnGalt1

    JohnGalt1 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,880) Aug 10, 2005 Idaho
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I use 14" cubed boxes too for the most part (if I don't have styros available).... I've found that I can fit up to 9x 22's vertical and reasonably comfortable. I also double box... but I put all my wrapped bottles (and bagged en masse) inside a 12" cubed box first and then into the 14".
     
    #4 JohnGalt1, Oct 24, 2014
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  5. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

     
    #5 creepinjeeper, Oct 24, 2014
  6. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

    Oh yeah ... I can fit up to 9 bottles in a 12 cube, 12 to 14 in a 14 cube. And that is with a lot of padding ...
     
    #6 creepinjeeper, Oct 24, 2014
  7. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

    You're welcome! A note so long winded update. The new formula eliminates the cubic dimension of 5184. Formula will simply use (example) 14x14x14=2,744 divided by 166 = dimensional weight of 17 lbs. (139 for international shipping.) As before, if the box weighs more, then they go by original weight.

    UPS will start using this 12/29/14 and FedEx on 1/1/15.
     
    #7 creepinjeeper, Oct 29, 2014
    dbannister likes this.
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