I know dimensional weight is in play because I know what I'm doing.
Dimensional weight is never explicitly shown at FedEx.com, via eBay labels. or UPS for that matter. It shows up as the base rate charge. When dimensional weight is in play the actual weight of the item is completely irrelevant - the base rate is pulled from the tables based on dim weight.
Info on how dim weight is specifically calculated is found in the fees section of the FedEx or UPS service guides. An online eBay calculator generated total discounted charge can be roughly cross checked in 30 seconds with a hand held calculator, the dimensions, a zone chart and the zips, and the rate tables in the service guide.
ALL of my large item shipping calculations are done using the eBay online calculator, by hand in some cases, and even using FedEx.com if someting is questionable BEFORE I even think about listing an item - there are no surprises, and some items turn out to be effectively unshippable due to dimensional weight vs value.
The first thing I usually do is a quick calculation of the dimensional weight of the packaged item: weighs 7 pounds but dim weight (which will be the actual billled weight) is 47pounds - possible uhoh. Check non-machinable criteria if Smartpost, oversize criteria, etc. My estimates are also within pennies of what I end up ultimately charged by FedEx even months down the road (fuel surcharges vary monthly causing slight differences)
I and most others seem to be able to make FedEx work the way it is supposed to, so I guess you are just doing it wrong. The fact that you assumed things about FedEx based on UPS in the past is telling about why you are surprised at charges. There have been major changes in dimensional weight charges in the last couple of years, FedEx made changes this last January, and ASSuming anything isn't wise. Any time pkgs are, large, long, and/or weird shape or character surcharges are going to kick in.
The only documented $115 surcharge is:
Ground Unauthorized Package Charge
A charge of $115 per package will be assessed for the following conditions:
• Any package measuring more than 108 inches in length.
• Any package measuring more than 165 inches in length and girth combined.
• Any package weighing more than 150 lbs.
These packages are unauthorized and may be refused or returned to the shipper.
However, at FedEx Ground’s sole discretion, they may be accepted and delivered.
but you provided no shipment info to use to figure out if there was any reason for that surcharge to have been applied.
It sounds like there just might be an error in your billing due to package dimensions mis-measured by FedEx, but.....
I asked for details about the shipment, could probably have explained the charges one way or another (your error or billing error), and pointed you in some direction (calling in Trinton of eBay to intervene if warranted) based on those facts, but you just seem to want to rant, wasted my and everyone else's time, and I'm pretty much done here.
If you calm downa and provide the info I asked for for 1 specific problem shipment, and I happen to wander back by this thread, I will look at it (maybe someone else will). Otherwise, good luck.
