USPS Ground Advantage prices change based on dimensions even on packages well below cubic ft? 2lb po
Please help clear up my confusion as I usually sell items under a pound but don't remember having this issue when shipping over a pound. In this case I have a package that is about 2.5 lbs. I was playing around with dimensions deciding between a box and a poly mailer and noticed a decent price jump based on dimensions. For example, 8" X 5" X 4" is showing $9.70 (with online commercial discount) and changing to 9" X 5" X 4" jumps to $11.15 (discount). 13" X 6" X 5" is $13.08 (discount). I just thought the dimensions had to exceed 12" X 12" X 12" before dimensions affect the weight. Obviously I am misunderstanding something but if anyone can explain this better or point me to some policy I would really appreciate it!
15 comments
wastingtime101
·9 months agoYou are incorrect in thinking dimensions are only a factor under a cubic foot @busybeeshopper12 . Dims are just as important as weight, often more so.
eBay offers cubic rate pricing based on package volume. eBay will default to whichever costs less between cubic rate and weighted rate.
Your 3 lb Ground Advantage package shipping to zone 9 - see above in bold for explanation of rates.
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoThank you this helps to clear things up!
buyselljack2016
·9 months agoI did not check your sizes to see if this factors in, but there are different "cubic rates" other than just being under 12X12X12
 
 @busybeeshopper12
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoThanks! I am going to take a closer look at that. I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who thought it only mattered after 12X12X12
kibble-net
·9 months agoDouble check that you haven't selected the "irregular parcel" box when listing your item, or when purchasing postage.
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoThanks! but doesn't seem to be the case.
stainlessenginecovers
·9 months agoI just did the same; package from NV to NC (across country)
When UNDER 1 lb- all the same price no matter what size (as long as under the 1 cu ft, 22" etc.)
But, if OVER 1 lb- then the size did matter even when under the 1 cu ft, 22 in etc.)
So, seems ebay is using 'weight' when under 1 lb and using
Cubic when over (which is usually HIGHER priced).
Trying Pirate Ship:
Each of your 3 sizes with same weight was using GA Cubic- $8.59; $9.74 and $11.42- but...
When using 21x7x7 2.5lbs (one of my common pkgs) it was GA ONLY (no Cubic) $11.71
I will guess that both Ebay, Amazon and Pirate Ship use 'whatever is cheapest' (or in the case of AZ, they show both and you can choose)
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoThank you for doing that to confirm what I am seeing I really appreciate it! I never thought I needed to use pirate ship but maybe the time as come. I will definitely look into it. Thanks!
stainlessenginecovers
·9 months agoI wouldn't bother as I've shown- PS is also using GA Cubic on 'over 1 lb' packages, going by the dimensions (same as ebay).
Only Amazon shows both and regular GA has always been cheaper that GA Cubic (on Amazon)
stainlessenginecovers
·9 months agoDimensions under 1 cu ft (12x12x12 would all be the same price- so something isn't right) unless
international- items over 12" are much more $$.
Or, the 'system' you are using is 'cubic' which is usually MORE than 'just weight' (as long as under the 1 cu ft or under 22" or under 31")
I know on Amazon, they give me a choice and the 'Ground Advantage' is always CHEAPER than 'Ground Advantage Cubic'...
So be sure it's NOT going by Cubic (for those sizes; larger sizes may be cheaper, I don't know)
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoJust regular usps ground advantage as shown on my eBay "print your label screen." So that was my understanding that dimensions only come in to play when exceeding 12 X 12 X 12 but seems not to be the case as least based what mine is showing.
wastingtime101
·9 months agoThat is not how it works.
busybeeshopper12
OP9 months agoThank you for your reply. I am not using the eBay shipping calculator per se I am on the ebay print label screen and changing the dimensions there. The prices shown reflect the seller commercial discount.
tobaccocardyahoo
·9 months agoThat is using both rates. It is not limited to commercial rate.
tobaccocardyahoo
·9 months agoam too lazy to calculate why the rates you see are what you are seeing.
Many sellers fail to recognize that Ebay's postal calculator is utilizing two different rate tables. It uses commercial rate GA and also uses cubic rate GA. This is different from dimensional weight. If the package generates a lower price using cubic rate, that is the cost of shipping, if not the rate is commercial rate.
If you take the time using both rate tables, you might find the explanation.