What is considered as an oversized package for USPS to ship ground?

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I had a couple shipments lately that cost me more than expected after I filled in the "weight and dims on my listings based on buyer destination / zip".

When I go to the post office, They state priority and ground are the same and of course I say priority. The clerk then measures and enters the measurements. Suddenly it jumps anywhere from $10 to $20!

I then ask to ship it ground instead (my listing was based on the 2-9 day delivery). The clerk re-enters the information again and then tells me that my package does qualify for ground shipping. Basically saying that my package was "not large enough". 

What is going on? Seems that eBay and the USPS is not in sync. Surely I'm not the only one who has had this issue. 

[slippinjimmy]

You probably need to post the specifics (weight/dimensions) and the listing numbers for anyone to give you advice.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I don't think weight is the issue

dims were: 18 x 18 x 12 & 18 x 18 x 18

one was going from IN. to KY. instead of the listing showing just under $20 per zip code & weight, it became $35 

[buyselljack2016]

Over 84" used to be a Priority pricing factor. Not sure if it still is.

Back years ago, USPS had boxes  that they sold that were 17 X 17 X 17 for a total of 85". They dropped those from inventory.

[ittybitnot]

dims were: 18 x 18 x 12 & 18 x 18 x 18

I think both of those are "oversized"  as far as size. Prices are typically based on size, weight, and distance.   Here are a couple of places you can check: 

https://postcalc.usps.com/

https://www.pirateship.com/

[auto_manuals_and_more]

Where you can get into trouble is if you don't select "large package". Somehow the braintrust that is the IT department at eBay cannot seem to program the dimensions to just calculate. If you don't select large package, the shipping calculator does not always catch the dimensional weight or oversize package issue.

This has been my experience, anyway.

[slippinjimmy]

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@sextons-sweet-deals wrote:

I don't think weight is the issue

dims were: 18 x 18 x 12 & 18 x 18 x 18

one was going from IN. to KY. instead of the listing showing just under $20 per zip code & weight, it became $35 

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You need to understand Dimensional Weight

https://www.stamps.com/usps/dimensional-weight/

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Different-Ways-Parcels-are-Priced

Both of your packages are subject to Dimensional Weight Charge because they are over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches).

When setting up the shipping you need to include the measurements as well as the weight. As another person posted you may have to ensure that "large package" is also selected to get the correct price calculated.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The maximum length-plus-girth for a Priority Mail package is 108 inches.

The maximum length-plus girth for a ground package (Retail Ground or its online equivalent, Parcel Select Ground) is 130 inches.  So any package with a L+G over 108 inches can only go via ground.

For packages that are going to Zones 1 - 4, the PO clerk will sell Retail Ground only for packages that (1) are too large to go via Priority Mail or (2) which must be shipped via ground (e.g., hazmat and some live animals).

A package that's 18x18x18 has a length-plus-girth of 90 inches; thus it's not too big to go via Priority, which means you can't purchase Retail Ground if you're shipping to Zones 1 - 4. 

For any of those shipping services, packages with a volume over 1 cubic foot (i.e., 1728 cubic inches) are charged at the "dimensional weight" which can be a huge jump above the price based on the scale weight. The package that's 18x18x18 will be subject to a dimensional weight of 36 pounds. 

[theteamsetguy]

The post office recently started using dimensional weight for both Priority and ground. You need to multiply length by width by height and divide by 166. If the result is a higher than the actual weight you have to use the higher number. 

The post office finally caught up with FedEx and UPS which has used dimensional weight for many years. I wondered when the USPS was finally going wise up. 

[sextons-sweet-deals]

hello

I selected large package in the listings. Entered dims and weight. I also selected 2-9 day service (basically ground). This is where I think there is a problem. I think there is a major flaw in the software between eBay and the USPS. eBay generates the cost in the listing per buyers location when they buy, but my weight and dims are coming into play. 

I have noticed the state of North Carolina is probably the worst! I'm about to block that state from shipping. 

For now, anything I have large to ship, I'm selecting priority shipping with weight and dims. Maybe that will clean things up. 

take care

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I do all that! 

I use to work in packing and shipping. I have a weight scale and I know how to use a tape measurer. 

[sextons-sweet-deals]

thank you

this is where eBay and their selection of shipping services  (software) are not in sync. 

[sextons-sweet-deals]

that is such a joke. I see what your saying looking at my recent receipt.

My package was under 8 lbs. 

dims were 24 x 20 x 15

zip: 46236 to 40391 (Indiana to Kentucky)

it says dim weight is 44 lbs. I have never heard of this until you commented.

So 44 lbs. dim weight does not qualify for ground shipping, so I have to pay priority rate!

thank you for your help