Can't list an item, get this mssg "Package dimensions exceeded maximum allowable limit for service"

[antflan77]

   I cannot list an item as I get this message. I have the shipping policy set for USPS Ground Advantage, FedEx and UPS. The measurements are 32" x 11" x 5". It weighs 5 pounds. How can something this light be too big at this size? The actual box is 2" less each side than the dimensions I listed. It's a cordless keyboard and I see others listed as well. Any idea what I'm missing? I posted this in Selling instead of Shipping since it seems to be more of a Listing problem, not shipping. Thanks in advance. 

[dbfolks166mt]

     What are the shipping classes you are using on the FedEx and UPS options? Try removing FedEx and UPS and just use USPS as a test. If it will post with the USPS ground advantage, edit the listing and add back in the other options one at a time to see where the problem may be. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@antflan77 wrote: ... The actual box is 2" less each side than the dimensions I listed. ...

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Try listing the actual package dimensions, and double-check for typos.

[cambriachick]

This will ship, it's the shipping class you're chosing, as dbfolks said.  It's not necessary to add all that extra to the measurements, the shippers go by volumne these days, so you're just increasing your cost.

[continentalcollectibles]

We get this all the time, it's generally always a Problem with USPS, To remedy it we always list with three different options for the buyer, USPS-UPS-and FedEx, and we have a Second option for when this comes up we have a Second option in our Business Shipping Policies that only list UPS and FedEx for the options.  if you ship it with this option, it always seems to go through unless the item is extremely large or heavy like 100 lbs. but try that, it Solved the Problem for us.

[dbfolks166mt]

We get this all the time, it's generally always a Problem with USPS, To remedy it we always list with three different options for the buyer, USPS-UPS-and FedEx, and we have a Second option for when this comes up we have a Second option in our Business Shipping Policies that only list UPS and FedEx for the options.  if you ship it with this option, it always seems to go through unless the item is extremely large or heavy like 100 lbs. but try that, it Solved the Problem for us.

     My experience has been just the opposite. As long as the dim's and weight are correct USPS works fine. The maximum size for most classes is 108 inches in combined length and girth but Ground pieces may measure up to 130 inches. The max weight on any USPS package is 70 pounds. However, the class options on UPS seem to cause issues on occasion and I never use FedEx. The other issue with UPS and FedEx is the potential for unilateral surcharges post delivery. 

[brightlightbookseller]

Not adding the correct dimensions is just a recipe for disaster with some shipping services.  Yes, some just charge overages if you're over the maximum volume, but others absolutely will charge you if any dimension is over a certain length.  Always include accurate measurements for your packages, folks (rounded UP to the nearest inch)!

[lesegouts]

With USPS you round to the nearest inch. Can really make a big difference.

[brightlightbookseller]

Always round up, not down.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@brightlightbookseller wrote:

Always round up, not down.

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That's true for weights, but USPS specifically rounds OFF to the nearest inch for dimensions.  See sections 1.4.2 and 1.4.3 here:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/223.htm

Jut to make things interesting, Cubic dimensions are handled completely differently:  " Cubic prices are not based on weight, but are charged based on zone and the mailpiece’s cubic measurement, with any fraction of a measurement rounded down to the nearest 1/4 inch. For example, a dimension of a piece measuring 12-3/8 inches is rounded down to 12-1/4 inches."