7 Ways To Cut Parcel Shipping Expenses Right Now - Page 12 of 13

By Jeff Kline

As a general rule, try to use the smallest bag/box with lightweight dunnage that still protects the contents. Parcel carriers penalize shippers that use large boxes for lightweight parcels by applying “dimensional weight.”

Air and ground shipments 3 cubic feet or larger via UPS and FedEx are subject to dim weight pricing. Billable weight is based on either the actual weight or dimensional weight of your package, whichever is greater. The USPS also uses dim weight for Priority Mail zones 5 to 8.