Answering Your Shipping Questions: Package Weight

Welcome to our new series where we answer your biggest questions about shipping with MyUS! For our first lesson, we’ll talk about all things package weight. It’s important to understand how package weight works and why it matters because it’s a main factor in determining shipping costs and delivery time, so read on to become an expert on the subject.

What Is Package Weight?

There are two ways that carriers usually calculate package weight: actual weight and dimensional or volumetric weight. But what’s the difference? Actual weight is just like it sounds, the weight of the entire package when measured on a scale. Dimensional, also called volumetric, weight is calculated with a formula that takes the package’s dimensions into account.

Volume (Length x Width x Height) / Dimensional Factor (Ranges from 139 in3 to 166 in3 by carrier)

This formula is used to factor how much space your package takes up during transit, so even if it doesn’t weigh much, you’re still paying for the extra room that the carrier is providing. The dimensional factor is a preset number that is different depending on the carrier.

For carriers that use dimensional weights, the cost of shipping will ultimately be based on whatever number is higher, the actual weight or the dimensional weight.

With our TruePrice guarantee at t MyUS, we use actual weight to determine the shipping cost of your non-oversized packages shipped from our US warehouse, so there’s no need to fret over formulas and dimensions. But it’s still important to understand the difference between types of weight and why they are important so you can shop smarter and know what you’re being charged for at MyUS when it comes to oversized* packages (with linear dimensions (total Length + Width + Height) greater than 72 inches), palleted packages, and special packages like crates.

*Please keep in mind that you will be charged an oversized item fee for packages over 48 inches in length or an overweight item fee if the package is 150 pounds or more in dimensional or actual weight in order to cover logistical requirements and special handling needed to deliver these packages, and that TruePrice does not apply to packages shipped out of our UK facility. 

Why Does Package Weight Matter?

When shipping packages, weight matters whether you’re dealing with actual weight or dimensional weight. With either option, shipping costs will increase with higher weights, but prices can change drastically based on dimensional weight if the package is in an oversized box.

Weight can also affect what carrier options you have available and the speed in which they deliver your items. Some carriers have a weight limit for certain services, so they might not be able to ship heavier packages. If these weight restrictions apply to options like express shipping, you may not be able to get your packages delivered in time.

Common Misconceptions & Tips for Managing Package Weight

Always remember, just because a package isn’t heavy doesn’t mean that it won’t be expensive to ship depending on its size. If a small item is packed in a large box, you’ll be paying extra with carriers that use dimensional weight.

To avoid overpaying to have your packages shipped to our warehouses, you can communicate with the retailer to ensure that your items are sent in appropriately sized packaging or read about other customer’s experiences online before ordering.

Once your packages arrive at MyUS, you can save even more with our package consolidation. We’ll combine all of your packages into one shipment that’s ready to ship whenever you are, so you’ll get everything delivered at once without worrying about waiting for multiple packages or juggling multiple tracking numbers.

This saves you money with non-oversized packages by reducing the amount of extra packaging weight, and with shipping costs every pound counts. With some carriers you might also being paying a preset minimum price for small packages, so having them shipped separately isn’t cost effective when the rate only marginally increases with weight.

Consolidation will also save you with oversized shipments because you’ll be saving space and shipping more items in less packages. Plus, if you have a few small light items that can be added to an oversized shipment, you can avoid paying any extra shipping costs until the actual weight becomes more than the dimensional weight.

Understand Package Weight to Save on Shipping

Want to shop at US and UK stores for less? Sign up for MyUS today and use our shipping calculator to see how much you can save on international shipping. With a Premium membership, you’ll enjoy great benefits like free package consolidation, free package repacking, 30 days of free storage, and so much more!

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We always aim to bring our members the best shopping options available, but some of the products featured in this post may have purchase restrictions. Please visit the merchant's terms of sale, shipping guidelines, and terms and conditions to find more information.