UPS Shipping Cost Calculator
Avoid bill shock. Quickly calculate total estimated shipping rates including hidden surcharges for residential delivery, adult signatures, and large package formatting.
*Not officially affiliated with United Parcel Service®
1. Package Specs
2. Weight & Distance
3. Service Level
4. Common Surcharges
Delivering to a home instead of business
Require an adult signature on drop-off
How Shipping Quotes Multiply Unexpectedly
When most people calculate a shipping quote, they assume the price given by the scale is final. However, shipping companies aggressively enforce Accessorial Surcharges—fees applied for any service that falls slightly outside standard business-to-business delivery.
The Surcharge Stack
Surcharges compound quickly. Below is a common "Shock Bill" scenario for a heavy box sent to a home:
- Base Rate (Zone 5, 50 lbs) $40.00
- Residential Delivery Surcharge + $5.50
- Weight Additional Handling Limit + $31.00
- Subtotal $76.50
- Dynamic Fuel Surcharge (approx 16.5%) + $12.62
- Final Invoice $89.12
Defeating the Fees
To keep your costs as close to the "Base Rate" as possible:
- Target Businesses: Whenever possible, ship to commercial addresses or have the customer pick the package up at an Access Point / Carrier Store to bypass residential fees.
- Measure Accurately: Ensure no box dimension exceeds 48 inches long. If it hits 49, you will trigger an instant $20-$30 handling penalty.
- Split Shipments: A 60-pound box triggers a heavy package handling fee. Shipping two 30-pound boxes usually bypasses the fee. Do the math to see which is cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
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