I've had a challenge with shipping lately. Our UPS bill has been coming in every week with surcharges we're being assessed for "dimensional weight." No longer is a one pound box one pound. It's most likely 2 or 3 or 6. You know those measurements on the bottom of boxes? According to UPS, they're WRONG! They tell us that those are the interior dimensions & not what shipping costs are based on. Starting this year, UPS is charging by size before weight. Their representatives insist FEDEX has been doing this for the past twelve months. Since my business does not use FEDEX as a regular carrier, I wouldn't have known this. You say the Post Office is cheaper? It can be. But definitely not always. Sometimes the difference is minimal. Sometimes it is significant. Very light boxes sent to a residence are almost always cheaper through the Post Office. Very heavy "one rate" boxes are also a bargain through the Post Office. Other sizes and weights often cost less through UPS or FEDEX. Perhaps there is a special software that evaluates which is most economical given the size, weight, destination and location status (residential vs business). It is definitely something I need to look into. But when you run a small business without a big shipping department, it is almost impossible to have the time to evaluate each parcel on its own merit.When you question shipping charges - do remember these tidbits we learned today. They might provide some answers if not solutions. -ND
