Checking Shipment Size and Weight

Step One: Weigh Your Item

• If your package weighs more than 25 kg, there may be an added fee for heavy or large packages. For more information, go to Costs and Rates.
• Remember, if it weighs more than 70 kg, your package is considered freight. Click here to calculate how much it will cost to ship it.

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Step Two: Package It Correctly

• First things first – you need to pack your items in a sturdy box. If you don’t have one, you can order supplies online.
• Wrap items separately and use cushioning material.
• Seal your box with heavy-duty tape (preferably reinforced), by applying three strips to both the top and bottom of the box, so that the middle seam and the two edge seams are sealed.
• You’ll need to know the dimensions and weight of your box. Keep them handy when you create a shipment.

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Step Three: Add a ‘Heavy’ Sticker

• You must attach a heavy package sticker to all your packages that weigh more than 25 kg.
• Apply the bright yellow UPS heavy package sticker to your package to the right of the address label for maximum visibility.
• Write the weight of your package in the white area on the label.
• Using highly visible heavy-package stickers allows UPS to give your heavy packages the special attention and handling that they need and deserve. The stickers alert our employees and your customers that special care should be taken to safely handle these packages.
• You can get heavy package stickers by going to our Order Supplies page.

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What is the maximum size combination for small package services?

Packages can be up to 400 centimetres in length and girth combined.

To accurately determine length and girth, use the formula: Length + 2x Width + 2x Height

Remember, the longest side of your package will be your length.

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How do I measure an irregularly shaped package?

Measure irregularly shaped packages as if they were in a rectangular box. Measure the length, width and height of the theoretical package from its extreme points to determine the package’s dimensions.

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How do I determine the actual weight of my package?

The actual weight is the package weight rounded up to the next half kg.

Use a scale to determine the weight of the package. Round any fraction of a kg to the next half kg.

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How do I determine the billable weight of my package?

Compare the package's actual weight to its dimensional weight. The greater of the two is the billable weight and should be used to calculate the rate. For multiple-package shipments, total the billable weight of all packges in the shipment.

Refer to the Determine the Weight and Size section of the Rate and Service Guide.

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How do I determine the dimensional weight of my package?

Dimensional weight reflects package density, which is the amount of space a package occupies compared to its actual weight. Dimensional weight may apply to all UPS domestic and international package services.

Determine the package measurement in centimeters. For each measurement, start at the longest point, rounding each measurement to the nearest whole number.

Multiply the package length (longest side of the package) by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size in centimeters.

Divide the cubic size in centimeters by 5,000. Increase any fraction to the next half kilogram.

Compare the package's actual weight to its dimensional weight. The greater of the two is the billable weight and should be used to calculate the rate.

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I have a freight shipment (a shipment weighing over 70 kg). How do I ship it?

We have freight shipping services to get your heavy shipments exactly where they need to go. Click here to calculate how much it will cost.

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How do I determine the billable weight of my pallet?

Billable weight is the weight used to calculate the rate. The billable weight will be the greater of the dimensional weight, actual weight, and minimum billable weight. The minimum billable shipment weight is 68 kg.

To determine billable weight:

Step 1. Determine actual weight. Actual weight is the weight of the items on the pallet and the weight of the pallet rounded up to the next half kilogram.

• Use a scale to determine the weight. Round any fraction of a kilogram to the next half kilogram.

Step 2. Determine dimensional weight. Dimensional weight reflects pallet density, which is the amount of space a pallet occupies in relation to its actual weight. Dimensional weight may apply to all UPS international parcel services.

• Determine the pallet dimensions in centimetres. For each dimension, measure at the longest point, rounding each measurement to the nearest whole number (e.g., 1.00 to 1.49 will be considered 1, and 1.50 to 1.99 will be considered 2).
• Multiply the pallet length by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size in centimetres.
• For import and export shipments, divide the cubic size by 5,000 to determine the dimensional weight. Increase any fraction to the next half kilogramme.

Step 3. Determine billable weight.

• Compare the pallet's actual weight to its dimensional weight and minimum billable weight. The greater of the three is the billable weight and should be used to calculate the rate. For multiple-pallet shipments, the minimum billable shipment weight is 71 kg.

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