Parcel vs LTL Freight

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Small Parcel shipments are typically more automated than LTL. LTL carriers use forklifts to move packages while small parcel uses conveyor belts. 

The Formula: How To Calculate the Length & Girth of your parcel manually Follow the guidelines to calculate the Length and Girth of your package manually: 

1. Measure the three parcel dimensions in exact inches (Remember: round each side to 

the nearest inch) 

a. Example: 33 (length) x 30 (Width) x 30 (Height) 

2. Add the measurements of the two smallest dimensions together. Multiply the result by two. This is the girth of your package. 

a. Example: 30 (Width) + 30 (Height) = 60 inches b. 60 inches x 2 = 120 inches ←- This is the girth of your package 

3. Now simply take the longest dimension and add this to the package girth. The result is the combined length and girth of your parcel. 

a. Example: 33 (Length) + 120 (Girth) = 153 inches ←- This is the combined length 

& girth of your package. 

When should I ship via LTL Freight?

● Individual packages can be up to 150 lbs 

● Each package can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined 

● Packages can be up to 108 inches in length 

Small Parcel vs LTL: Why is it imperative to follow the shipping guideline dimensions?

● Additional Handling Fee 

● LPS (Large Package Surcharge) Fee 

● Over Maximum Limits Surcharge 

Additional Handling Fee (shipped via small package) 

● Longest side exceeds 48 inches 

○ Note: Ship this package via Freight. Do not ship as Small Parcel. 
● Has an actual weight greater than 70 lbs per package 

○ Note: Ship this package via Freight. Do not ship as Small Parcel. 

Large Package Surcharge U.S Domestic shipments delivered to a residential address are subject to a LPS (Large Package Surcharge) fee if: 

● The combined length and girth falls from 130 inches to 165 inches, or its length exceeds 96 inches 

○ Remember: Follow the formula listed above. If your package(s) fall within these dimensions, you must ship via Freight. If you ship via Small Parcel, you will be charged a $90 LPS fee. 

Over Maximum Limits Surcharge You will be subject to an Over Maximum Limits Surcharge for packages in the UPS small package system if: 

● Your UPS small package(s) exceed 108 inches in length, or 165 inches in combined length and girth 

○ Note: If this is true for your package, you must ship via Freight. 

● Your UPS small package exceeds 150lbs. 

○ Note: If this is true for your package, you must ship via Freight.