UPS

UPS Shipping Rules

Complete guide to surcharges, restrictions, and package requirements

Last verified

August 17, 2025

View official guide

DIM Divisor

139

Max Weight

150 lbs

Max Length

108"

Max L+G

165"

Surcharge Types

7

Key Thresholds to Remember

  • Large Package: Length > 96" OR L+G > 130"
  • Additional Handling — Weight: > 50 lbs (U.S. domestic)
  • Additional Handling — Length: > 48"
  • Additional Handling — L+G: > 105" (Only the highest AH applies; Large Package replaces AH)

Surcharge Rules & Triggers

Size & Weight

Additional Handling — Weight

Packages over 50 lbs trigger Additional Handling surcharge

Triggers when:

  • Weight > 50 lbs
Stacks

Additional Handling — Length

Longest side over 48 inches triggers Additional Handling (40 lb min billable)

Triggers when:

  • Length > 48"
Stacks

Additional Handling — Second-longest side

Second-longest side over 30 inches triggers Additional Handling (40 lb min billable)

Triggers when:

Stacks

Additional Handling — Length+Girth

Length + girth over 105 inches triggers Additional Handling (40 lb min billable)

Triggers when:

  • Length + Girth > 105"
Stacks

Large Package

Length over 96 inches OR length+girth over 130 inches (90 lb min billable, replaces AH)

Triggers when:

  • Length > 96"
Exclusive

Large Package

Length over 96 inches OR length+girth over 130 inches (90 lb min billable, replaces AH)

Triggers when:

  • Length + Girth > 130"
Exclusive

Delivery Type

Residential Delivery

Applied to all deliveries to residential addresses

Triggers when:

Stacks

Service Specifications

UPS Ground

Transit Time 1-5 days
Max Weight 150 lbs
Max Length 108"
Max L+G 165"
Saturday No

UPS Next Day Air

Transit Time 1 day
Max Weight 150 lbs
Max Length 108"
Max L+G 165"
Saturday Available

UPS 2nd Day Air

Transit Time 2 days
Max Weight 150 lbs
Max Length 108"
Max L+G 165"
Saturday No

💡 Tips to Avoid UPS Surcharges

Packaging Tips

  • 📦 Keep packages under 48" length to avoid Additional Handling
  • 📏 Stay ≤ 105" L+G to avoid Additional Handling (dimension) and ≤ 130" L+G to avoid Large Package
  • ⚖️ Keep weight under 50 lbs to avoid Additional Handling Weight (U.S. domestic)
  • 📐 Use smallest box possible - you pay for dimensional weight

Shipping Tips

  • 🏢 Ship to commercial addresses when possible
  • 📍 Verify addresses to avoid correction fees
  • 📅 Avoid peak season when surcharges increase
  • 💼 Consider UPS Simple Rate for predictable pricing

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