FedEx Calculate Shipping Guide
When it comes to sending packages, a common query is how shipping costs are calculated. As a leading global courier and logistics provider, FedEx employs a detailed methodology to determine shipping fees. Gaining insight into this process can assist you in planning your shipments more efficiently and preventing unforeseen expenses. In this article, we delve into the various components that factor into calculating FedEx shipping rates.
FedEx Basic Fees Calculation
Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
Actual Weight: This refers to the physical weight of the package, including its packaging. FedEx uses the actual weight as a baseline for its calculations. It’s important to note that the actual weight is the weight of the contents plus any packaging material used.
Dimensional Weight (Dim Weight): Dim weight is a volumetric weight that is calculated by taking the dimensions of the package (length x width x height) and dividing the result by a divisor. The divisor varies between domestic and international shipments:
- Domestic Shipments: The divisor is 139 (in inches).
- International Shipments: The divisor is 5000 (in cubic centimeters).
The purpose of using dimensional weight is to ensure that the pricing reflects the space that a package occupies during transport, particularly for lighter but larger packages. This prevents shippers from being charged solely based on the actual weight of the package, which could lead to underpayment for space utilization.
Let’s take an example to illustrate how dimensional weight is calculated. Suppose you have a package measuring 20 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches high. To find the dimensional weight, follow these steps:
Multiply the dimensions of the package:
Volume=Length×Width×HeightVolume=20×10×10=2000 cubic inchesDivide the volume by the divisor (139 for domestic shipments):
Dim Weight=VolumeDivisorDim Weight=2000139≈14.4
Since FedEx rounds up to the nearest whole pound, the dim weight would be considered 15 pounds.
This calculation helps ensure that the cost of shipping reflects both the weight and the space the package occupies, providing a fairer assessment of the resources required for transportation.
Chargeable Weight
The chargeable weight is the higher value between the actual weight and the dimensional weight. This means that even if your package is lightweight but bulky, you may be charged based on its size rather than its actual weight.
For instance, consider a package that weighs 10 pounds but has a dimensional weight of 20 pounds. In this case, FedEx would charge you based on the 20-pound dim weight.
Special Considerations
Non-standard Shipments
FedEx has specific rules for non-standard shipments, such as those that exceed certain dimensions or weights:
- Packages with any side longer than 120 cm (or 48 inches) or weighing more than 70 kg (or 154 lbs) are subject to additional fees.
- Packages that exceed certain size limits (e.g., length + 2 times the girth > 330 cm or 130 inches) may not be accepted for shipment.
Multiple Packages
If you’re shipping multiple packages together, each package’s chargeable weight is calculated individually. Then, the total chargeable weight is the sum of the individual chargeable weights of each package.
For example, if you are shipping two packages, one with a chargeable weight of 10 kg and another with 15 kg, the total chargeable weight would be 25 kg.
Additional Fees
FedEx may also apply additional fees for services such as:
- Saturday Delivery: An extra fee for deliveries made on Saturdays.
- Signature Required: An option where a signature is required upon delivery, ensuring proof of delivery.
- Insurance: Optional coverage for the value of the package.
These fees are added to the base shipping cost based on the service level and the package’s weight and dimensions.
Understanding how FedEx calculates shipping rates is crucial for budgeting and planning. By knowing the basics and considering the special cases, you can ensure that your shipments are cost-effective and meet your delivery requirements. Whether you’re sending a small package domestically or a large shipment internationally, being aware of the calculation methods will help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises when it comes to shipping costs.