17 Apr What Are Large and Oversize Packages?
Large Package and Oversize Package Review
Packages that exceed size and configuration guidelines established by the carriers are subject to an additional charge, which UPS and FedEx define as either a large or oversize package fee.
An example of a shipment that would be subject to this charge is a package measuring 62 x 34 x 13 inches and weighing 10 pounds. The combined girth of this shipment is 156 inches. We arrive at that by taking the length of 62 inches and adding 68 inches (2 x width of 34 inches) and 26 inches (2 x height of 13 inches), which equals 156 inches. This exceeds the 130 inches of combined girth that both carriers have established as being subject to the large or oversize package charge.
The billable weight for this package would be subject to dimensional or DIM weight guidelines as well. To calculate that, you take the L x W x H and divide by the current carrier DIM factor of 139. The package in this example has a DIM weight rating of 197 pounds, which exceeds the chargeable weight limit of 150 pounds. When this happens the carrier will use an additional or prorated per-pound rate to calculate the billable rate.
UPS Large Package Surcharge
The UPS large package surcharge is $70.00 per package. A large package is defined as follows:
- A large package surcharge will be applied when its length plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches.
- With the exception of UPS Ground® with Freight Pricing packages, large packages are subject to a minimum billable weight of 90 pounds.
- An additional handling charge will not be assessed when a large package surcharge is applied.
FedEx Oversize Charge
FedEx oversize charges are broken out into two categories: Express Services and Ground. These are as follows:
Express Services
The maximum limits for FedEx Express U.S. packages are 150 pounds, 119 inches in length, and 165 inches in length and girth. Packages that weigh 150 pounds or less and exceed 108 inches in length or 130 inches in length and girth are considered “oversize” packages. Oversize packages are rated based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight or dimensional weight. In addition, a charge of $72.50 per oversize package applies. FedEx may refuse packages that exceed 119 inches in length or 165 inches in length and girth, or if FedEx finds them in their network, FedEx may consider them for shipping at their sole discretion. These packages also are rated based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight or dimensional weight, and a $72.50 charge per oversize package applies.
Note: They may accept FedEx Express packages weighing less than 151 pounds that exceed 165 inches in length and girth and rate them as FedEx Express Freight U.S. shipments.
Extra-large packages are those that weigh less than 151 pounds (or destination country limit) and exceed 130 inches (or destination country limit) in length and girth combined. These pieces may be refused, or at their sole discretion may be considered as FedEx International Priority Freight® or FedEx International Economy® Freight shipments once accepted by FedEx, and a minimum chargeable weight of 151 pounds may be applied regardless of actual weight.
Ground
A package weighing 150 pounds or less and measuring greater than 130 inches in length and girth is classified as an “oversize” package. The shipping charges for an oversize package are based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight and its dimensional weight. A charge of $72.50 per oversize package also applies to any package measuring greater than 130 inches in length and girth.
For FedEx Home Delivery®, the shipping charges for any package with a dimensional weight of greater than 70 pounds are the same as a FedEx Ground package of corresponding dimensional weight being shipped under the same circumstances, plus FedEx Home Delivery fees and other charges. There is a charge of $72.50 per oversize package.
Historical Increases in Oversize and Large Package Surcharges
FedEx Oversize Surcharge Historical Increase:
- 2012: $55.00
- 2013: $55.00
- 2014: $55.00
- 2015: $57.50
- 2016: $67.50
- 2017: $72.50
2017 Increase: $5.00 (7.41%)
UPS Large Package Surcharge Historical Increase:
- 2012: $55.00
- 2013: $55.00
- 2014: $55.00
- 2015: $57.50
- 2016: $67.50
- 2017: $70.00
2017 Increase: $2.50 (3.70%)
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