How to Calculate the Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages with a Shipping Calculator Tool?
Shipping cost is one of the main concerns of online merchants. There are many factors that depend on shipping costs. As we know, the volume and weight of the packages are mainly used to determine the shipping cost besides the distance between source and destination locations. The weight and dimensions of packages have a positive correlation with the shipping costs.
Different shipping carriers follow different formulas to calculate the shipping rates. And, they charge different shipping costs for large packages compared to their standard service rates. So, in this article, we will be discussing how to calculate the cheapest shipping charge to ship your large packages with an advanced shipping calculator tool.
What is a large package?
Large packages are often defined as ‘oversized’ by logistics and shipping carrier companies. It could be simply ‘oversized’ in the eyes of a pickup person. Or, it may exceed the standard weight and volume restrictions laid out by the shipping carrier you have chosen.
The shipping carriers charge separate charges for oversized products. As you know, weight and dimensions play a significant role in shipping costs, and oversized items will have higher rates compared to the other shipping service rates.
Now, let us check how to ship oversized items.
Steps to ship large packages
It will be better if you follow the below steps to ship your large packages domestically and internationally.
Measure the dimensions of your items
To pack the items in a perfectly fitting box and calculate the shipping cost, you need to measure the length, width, and height of the items.
Pack your items
Large packages could often be electronics, furniture, or any fragile items. In such cases, you have to pack the items carefully in a best fitting box with cushioning materials inside to protect the items.
Check the weight of your packages
As you know, the weight of the product has a major role in determining the shipping cost. The heavier your packages are, the higher the shipping charge will be. Hence, in order to ship the large packages domestically and internationally, you have to weigh the items precisely to calculate the shipping cost of various shipping carriers.
Calculate and compare the shipping costs
Use the source and destination zip codes, addresses, weight, and dimensions of the package to find the accurate shipping rates of a shipping carrier or multiple shipping carriers together using a shipping calculator tool.
Compare and book the most reasonable option
After calculating all available shipping service rates, compare them to find the most reasonable one for you. Then, proceed to book the pickup and pay the charges.
Print the shipping label
The shipping label contains the relevant information for the carriers to deliver your products to the right person in the exact location. Also, it will contain a barcode which is mandatory to be present on the shipping label.
Paste the shipping label and seal the package
After generating the label, you have to paste it outside of the package. Also, do not forget to use quality tapes to seal the package.
Pickup of the packages
Sometimes you may need to send the large packages to the shipping carrier office or their hub to get them shipped. But, popular shipping carriers provide pickup facilities. In such cases, you can make your packages ready to ship and wait for the pickup person!
Well, these are the steps to ship the oversized packages. Now, let us check what is an ‘oversized’ package for the popular shipping companies USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
USPS
If the combined length and weight of the package are more than 108 inches and 130 inches, the package is considered oversized in USPS. If your package’s measurement values are greater than these values, you need to contact USPS to get a special rate for you. Or, you may need to go for the slower services like USPS Retail Ground.
Its Parcel Select can be used to ship packages that exceed 108 inches in length but less than 130 inches in width.
UPS
All packages that weigh more than 150 pounds and have a combined length/width over 165 inches are considered large packages by UPS.
UPS categorizes large packages into 2 categories as Large Package and Over Maximum Limits.
Large Package: They charge normal rates for large packages. And packages with more than 96 inches on their longer side, and/or more than 130 inches when combining length + width + girth are considered as large packages. If the packages exceed 90 pounds, UPS will charge additional charges.
Over Maximum Limits: They use UPS Freight Services for packages that are over maximum limits. This means, the weight will be over 150 lbs, and dimensions will be 108 inches on one side, or exceeding 130 inches as combined length + width + girth.
FedEx
All packages that weigh more than 90 pounds are considered large items in FedEx. Also, if the length/width exceeds 130 inches and 96 inches, it will be a large package for FedEx. FedEx large packages are comparatively smaller than large packages of USPS and UPS.
You might need to use the International Ground Services and US Express Package option to ship the large packages internationally and domestically. For shipping the large packages with these services on holiday seasons, you have to pay additional charges than usual.
DHL
All packages that weigh over 70 kilograms or 155 pounds are large items for DHL. Also, if the dimensions exceed 120 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm or 47 in x 31 in x 31 in. As DHL mainly focuses on international shipping, they prefer you to contact them directly for getting better quotes for shipping large packages internationally.
These are the meanings of ‘large packages’ or ‘oversized’ packages for the popular shipping carriers.
As I have already mentioned, you can calculate the shipping cost of large packages using a shipping calculator tool. ReachShip is one of the best shipping calculator tools in the industry, which allows you to calculate the shipping rates of USPS, UPS, FedEx, MyPost Business, and DHL.
Calculate the cost to ship large packages using the ReachShip shipping calculator tool
In order to calculate the shipping rates with ReachShip, visit the ReachShip shipping calculator.
To calculate the shipment, enter the ‘From Address’ and the ‘Delivery Address’ and the ‘Package Details’.
Here we have entered 50 x 35 x 35 inches as dimension and 80 kg as weight, which is comparatively an oversized package. Now click on ‘Calculate rates’.
After submitting your measurements, you will get a list of all available shipping services of the selected carriers. As we have entered the large package dimensions. Here we have gotten ‘DHL Express’ as the the cheapest and the fastest option to deliver the large package.
This is how you can calculate the shipping cost of large packages with a shipping calculator tool.
Conclusion
Shipping large packages can quickly become expensive if you don’t compare your options. A shipping calculator is an essential tool for finding the best rate by factoring in package size, weight, distance, and carrier services. By comparing different carriers before finalizing a shipment, you can identify the most cost-effective option without compromising delivery speed or reliability.
For consistent savings, consider using multi-carrier shipping tools that provide side-by-side rate comparisons and real-time quotes, helping you make smarter, budget-friendly shipping decisions every time.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to ship a large package domestically?
Using ground services from carriers like UPS or FedEx is often the most cost-effective option for heavy or oversized packages. Comparing rates with a shipping calculator tool ensures you find the lowest price quickly and accurately.
2. Can I use a shipping calculator tool for freight shipments?
Yes. Many carrier and multi-carrier shipping calculator tools include freight options, allowing you to estimate costs for pallets or very large items with ease.
3. How do I avoid dimensional weight charges with a shipping calculator tool?
Use packaging that closely fits your item, avoid unnecessary padding that increases size, and check each carrier’s dimensional weight rules before shipping by running the details through a shipping calculator tool.
4. Which carrier is cheapest for oversized packages using a shipping calculator tool?
It depends on the weight, size, and destination, but a shipping calculator tool will help you see that FedEx and UPS often offer competitive rates for domestic oversized shipments, while DHL can be cost-effective for large international parcels.
5. Do shipping calculator tools show discounts for business accounts?
Yes. If you log in with a business account, many shipping calculator tools will display your negotiated or discounted rates automatically.
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