Does Fedex/USPS/UPS charge dimensional weight for packages ?

[wearetheborg]

I'm thinking of getting some boxes that are 18x18x16, and its volume is 5,184; and the shipping companies charge dimesional weight for 5,184 or larger.
So, do they usually charge dimensional weight for packages that are just 5184 cubic inches ?

This is for shipping many boxes at once.

Also, how does Fedex etc ground pickup work ?
If I print the labels myself, and make an inadvertent mistake in the weight, who corrects it ?
Or do I just put the destination address, and hand over the packages and get billed later on ?

[RealBlackStuff]

You can check USPS out here: http://postcalc.usps.gov/
Just enter your package dimensions and try out various weights.

Don't know about the others.

[wearetheborg]

No, what I was saying was that technically they can charge dimesional weight as its 5,184 and rules say 5184 or larger. What I'm asking is how strict are they, and do they do this ?

[mini_g]

A) At the dimension specified, 18x18x16 (be forwarned, if any side is even a 1/4" over, the next inch above is used for that side's dimension), acc to the FedEx rate finder and the UPS rate finder, the dimensional weight is being used.

B) If the many boxes are going to the same destination, there is a bulk discount through FedEx & UPS if they are a part of the same shipment (*EDIT* To the same address; sorry if this messed you up). USPS does not have this discount that I'm aware of.

C) As for requesting a pickup, I believe that if you call 1-800-GO-FEDEX or 1-800-PICK-UPS, Ground can also be requested through here. I am not completely sure, as I don't normally call them as I have a regular pickup.

D) If you make a mistake on the labels, FedEx & UPS will correct the mistake, however, there might be an fee for that.

E) I'm don't completely understand the first portion, but as for billing, if you don't have a FedEx or UPS account #, you can put your CC # on the form, and I think that they will automatically bill you and send you a receipt via the mail.

Sorry if I'm kinda vague on this, but I'm used to using the software for this stuff most of the time.

They are real strict on this stuff, as machines are checking the weights and sizes via automation.

As a side note: USPS is rarely viable in comparison once you are beyond 10lbs in terms of cost.

In case you are wondering, I work at a shipping center...

[kim-chee-san]

A) At the dimension specified, 18x18x16 (be forwarned, if any side is even a 1/4" over, the next inch above is used for that side's dimension), acc to the FedEx rate finder and the UPS rate finder, the dimensional weight is being used.

B) If the many boxes are going to the same destination, there is a bulk discount through FedEx & UPS if they are a part of the same shipment. USPS does not have this discount that I'm aware of.

C) As for requesting a pickup, I believe that if you call 1-800-GO-FEDEX or 1-800-PICK-UPS, Ground can also be requested through here. I am not completely sure, as I don't normally call them as I have a regular pickup.

D) If you make a mistake on the labels, FedEx & UPS will correct the mistake, however, there might be an fee for that.

E) I'm don't completely understand the first portion, but as for billing, if you don't have a FedEx or UPS account #, you can put your CC # on the form, and I think that they will automatically bill you and send you a receipt via the mail.

Sorry if I'm kinda vague on this, but I'm used to using the software for this stuff most of the time.

They are real strict on this stuff, as machines are checking the weights and sizes via automation.

As a side note: USPS is rarely viable in comparison once you are beyond 10lbs in terms of cost.

In case you are wondering, I work at a shipping center...

Definitely agree with mini_g on USPS not being a good option for stuff beyond 10lbs--especially if they are large boxes as defined by USPS (12x12x12). For easter this year, I sent my nieces some stuffed animals in a large box weighing LESS than 10lbs--perhaps around 6lbs. At this size and weight, you can't ship 1st class. Ok, I thought, how about priority? The postage for priority was around $38 bucks, which was ridiculous since that was more than the cost of the stuffed animals.

[wearetheborg]

mini_g, thanks a lot for the pointers.

Would you have an idea on the bulk discount ? All boxes are going to the same place.

Finally, any opinions about USPS parcel post ? It seems cheaper than Fedex/UPS, and today I went to the post office, and they dont charge dimensional weight for packages less than 108" in combined lenght + girth.

Also, how about USPS media mail ? I have a lot of books/dvds, and am considering sending those via media mail.

[mini_g]

mini_g, thanks a lot for the pointers.

Would you have an idea on the bulk discount ? All boxes are going to the same place.

Finally, any opinions about USPS parcel post ? It seems cheaper than Fedex/UPS, and today I went to the post office, and they dont charge dimensional weight for packages less than 108" in combined lenght + girth.

Also, how about USPS media mail ? I have a lot of books/dvds, and am considering sending those via media mail.

No problem!

Media Mail is definitely a great option for items that can be shipped through it. Beware though, the box(s) will be held at the Post Office and when you come to pick the package(s), they will need to open and check the contents so as to verify that it did indeed qualify for Media Mail. I am unsure as to what happens if a box does not qualify, but am inclined to think that you are charged for the difference for Parcel Post.

As for the bulk discount, here's how it works. Each additional box in the shipment adds that box's weight on top of the shipment's weight, instead of starting over at the base weight & price. (ie, it starts out steep, but each additional pound is cheaper than the previous to tack on) You can get a price that you would be charged if you were to use your CC # via the FedEx or UPS rate calculator.

I'm finding that Parcel Post is almost comparible to Priority Mail, but you'd have to check it out yourself at the USPS Postage calculator.

As for how the labeling is done, I'd call the FedEx or UPS phone #'s and ask how to fill out labels for a multiple piece shipment, as I have very little idea as to go about physically doing it. I think that you need to apply for an account to print your labels off of the internet.

[fuscob]

I'm finding that Parcel Post is almost comparible to Priority Mail, but you'd have to check it out yourself at the USPS Postage calculator.

In terms of price, yes; in terms of service, not at all. I've always found Priority Mail packages to be delivered right on time (2-3 days), whereas Parcel Post can take weeks. This probably has something to do with the fact that Priority Mail is partially run by FedEx. However, Priority Mail gets very expensive over a certain weight, which is where Parcel Post can be beneficial if you are on a tight budget and don't have much concern for time-in-transit.

[mini_g]

I'm finding that Parcel Post is almost comparible to Priority Mail, but you'd have to check it out yourself at the USPS Postage calculator.

In terms of price, yes; in terms of service, not at all. I've always found Priority Mail packages to be delivered right on time (2-3 days), whereas Parcel Post can take weeks. This probably has something to do with the fact that Priority Mail is partially run by FedEx. However, Priority Mail gets very expensive over a certain weight, which is where Parcel Post can be beneficial if you are on a tight budget and don't have much concern for time-in-transit.

Sorry, I was thinking in terms of pricing, not speed.

[wearetheborg]

Media Mail is definitely a great option for items that can be shipped through it. Beware though, the box(s) will be held at the Post Office and when you come to pick the package(s), they will need to open and check the contents so as to verify that it did indeed qualify for Media Mail. I am unsure as to what happens if a box does not qualify, but am inclined to think that you are charged for the difference for Parcel Post.

I was thinking of using my sweatshirts/other clothes as packing material to protect the books/DVDs. Would that cause a problem with media mail ?

[mini_g]

Media Mail is definitely a great option for items that can be shipped through it. Beware though, the box(s) will be held at the Post Office and when you come to pick the package(s), they will need to open and check the contents so as to verify that it did indeed qualify for Media Mail. I am unsure as to what happens if a box does not qualify, but am inclined to think that you are charged for the difference for Parcel Post.

I was thinking of using my sweatshirts/other clothes as packing material to protect the books/DVDs. Would that cause a problem with media mail ?

I would double check with your post office as to what can constitute as packing material for media mail. I have a strong feeling that clothing would very likely not be allowed in media mail.

*EDIT*

Well... I'm going to have to eat my words on the discount, as I just ran some numbers that stated that there isn't one.
Its always seemed that there was one... *sigh*