09-05-2022 05:56 PM
I do not usually ship larger heavy items. I did list an item today that is 6 pounds with the box dimensions of 14x14x12.
What I noticed is that there is no price change from 1 pound to 15 pounds with USPS priority and select ground. It starts going up after 16 pounds. Thought someone might interested if they didn't already know.
I'm listing it with USPS select ground with the option to have it shipped Priority. I'm on the East Coast, so someone near me may want priority. Select ground was cheaper than UPS.
For those of you who ship longer items like golf clubs, posters, and other long items over 22 inches, just remember USPS is charging more for items over 22 inches. Over 22 inches they are adding an extra $4. I think over 35 inches they are adding an extra $15. If you have free and flat rate, check your prices. Calculated shipping should be fine. It will be just another sticker shock for buyers who are unaware.
09-05-2022 06:05 PM - edited 09-05-2022 06:06 PM
It's because your box is using dimensional weight.
14 * 14 * 12 = 2,352
2352 / 166 (might be a different value but it is about 166) = 14.17 so it'll be treated as 15 pounds regardless if you put a pound of feathers or 15 pounds of feathers. Above 15 pounds in my example it'll start using actual weight.
If you're able to keep it under 1 cuft with USPS it can be pretty cheap though. 0.5 cuft, can start using cubic shipping for Priority or Parcel Select with other shipping services.
And yeah in regards to the oversized thing. Think that started happening early this year.
09-05-2022 06:09 PM
@suzysemporium wrote: ... box dimensions of 14x14x12.
What I noticed is that there is no price change from 1 pound to 15 pounds with USPS priority and select ground. It starts going up after 16 pounds. ....
For those of you who ship longer items .... Over 22 inches they are adding an extra $4. I think over 35 inches they are adding an extra $15. If you have free and flat rate, check your prices. Calculated shipping should be fine. It will be just another sticker shock for buyers who are unaware.
That's a useful heads up regarding the new surcharges for package length. But the threshold for the $15 surcharge is 30 inches.
As noted in the other post, you got the same postage cost for any weight up to 15 pounds because that's the "dimensional weight" of your package.
09-05-2022 06:45 PM
I don't ship USPS parcel or select. Items are not insured. You can buy insurance, but it's my experience that added insurance is almost the same as PM.
If I have a heavier item, I ship UPS. Sometimes I use Fed Ex...or I use USPS.
Yes, I have to drop off UPS or Fed Ex, where USPS picks up
I had a couple instances where I shipped parcel post, and the item got smashed, and I had no insurance. So, w/ shipping...you get what you pay for
I do use 1st class, also not inured. But if item is breakable and qualifies for 1st class...I ship Priority.
Just a thought about shipping choices
09-05-2022 06:51 PM
Take a look at the eBay prices for UPS Ground if you can get UPS in your wheelhouse. Money to be saved on these larger/heavier shipments.
14x14x12 at 6 lbs. Would definitely be going UPS from where I sit.
09-05-2022 09:40 PM
As others mentioned because of the size of the box you are stuck with the dimensional weight of the package. There is little difference between UPS and USPS with the two methods you mentioned Not sure which item you listed with those shipping dimensions but if you can get the box size down to 12 x 12 x 12 the shipping cost goes down significantly. Following is from Pirate Ship who's rates are close to what eBay's are and in some cases cheaper.
09-06-2022 10:21 AM
I have ran into problems using calculated shipping and regional rate boxes, the problem is if say you have a 3 lb item that only 1 will fit in a regional a box and they buy 4 of them and you are way short on the calculated shipping charge.
To fix that if only 1 widget will fit in a regional a box I set the weight at 8lb regardless of actual weight.
09-09-2022 11:31 AM
Parcel Select Ground is a sub-standard service.
Sub-standard as compared to UPS Ground and USPS Priority.