Shipping policy

Here are the main questions you’ll need to ask yourself when it comes to shipping a product:

• When does the package need to arrive?
• Is a guaranteed delivery or delivery commitment required?
• Is tracking required?
• Is the recipient address commercial or residential?
• Is signature confirmation or any other service add-on required?
• Are you shipping alcohol, other specialized products, or any hazardous materials?

Understanding your products’ shipping requirements will give you a clearer picture of how to estimate your shipping costs.

Dimension and weight.

Just like expedited shipping, larger and heavier parcels also add to cost. 

Carriers and services may have different restrictions, rating structures, and requirements — but they all calculate shipping cost based on weight and dimension.

Without a multi-carrier rate calculator, comparing rates can be very tedious and annoying.

But that doesn’t mean it has to be. Let’s break it down: 

FedEx, USPS, and UPS charge based on dimensional weight (DIM) for their services. 

Dimensional weight is based on the package size rather than its actual weight. Basically, you’ll be charged more for large light parcels and less for smaller, heavier parcels. 

To determine the best rate, always make sure you enter your package dimensions. You can calculated DIM by following this equation: (Length x Width x Height) / Divisor.

Spoiler alert: the higher the divisor is, the lower the rate will be. 

Here are the Dimensional Weight formulas for UPS, FedEx, and United States Postal Service (USPS):

All major carriers also offer some kind of standardized, flat rate shipping. 

With this option, you’ll select a carrier-provided, standard packaging. You’ll pay the same rate, regardless of weight and destination (as long as its domestic).

For a quick lay of the land:

• USPS and UPS flat rate boxes generally allow up to 70 lbs.
• FedEx One Rate boxes go up to 50 lbs.