Idk if this is the right place so mods feel free to move. So I just found out from fedex (and was informed the other postal services are the same) that the dimensions of the box matter way more than the weight. I just shipped a box of 2 500ml bottles and 4 12oz bottles in a larger box bc it's what I had. The thing maybe weighed 12lbs but bc of the dimensions of the box fedex decided it weighed 30. So to all u shippers out there....condense bc apparently weight is based on size
thats interesting ive shipped prob 40 boxes or more and never ever realized that. i obv figured bigger box more money but not your scenario
At a certain point they go by dimensional weight instead of actual weight. I've heard FedEx plans on going by both in the future if they haven't already. Edit: looks like both are switching in 2015. I don't remember the exact numbers they currently use, but I want to say its 3 cubic feet or higher and they go by dimensional weight if its higher than the actual weight (LxWxH divided by 1728 = cubic feet)
Someone sent me a link where fed ex says anything over 3 cubic feet is weighed using the dimension so they can charge you for the space as well. And yeah they have a scale but clearly my box was too damn big!
I always try to keep the box size down even though I had been told the weight is what mattered but thanks for the info this confirms my paranoia! Btw I would like your post but they're disabled in the ISO:FT
For the record I would use a refrigerator box if that's what I felt it took for the beers to arrive safely but I do try to be conscious of the box size as well...
I printed a label online for an 18lb box to california, was given a price of like $28. The box actually weighed more like 20lb, but it was a large box (due to all the packaging). CC got billed for $56.
See this link for full info on current policies by both UPS and FedEx and future policies: https://www.shipwire.com/w/blog/fedex-ups-dimensional-weight-changes/ I'm always conscious of the dimensions and try to be below 3cu.ft. If you shipped frequently, it's actually pretty apparent if you're over. The price goes up significantly.
After speaking with FedEx and UPS last year, there is a higher charge for larger boxes, as they take up more space on the truck. The more space you take up on their truck, the less they can fit other boxes. Meaning less revenue on a single truck, and they have to employ another truck to fulfill the orders in a timely fashion. Hope that makes sense.
