How to ship · generic
How to ship an oversized package
Parcel carriers measure "oversized" using Length + Girth (L + 2W + 2H). USPS caps at 108 in; UPS and FedEx go to 165 in. Over 165 in, you are in freight territory.
- Typical weight
- Varies
- Rate band tracked
- 20 lb
- Cheapest option
- UPS Ground for under 108 in L+G; freight beyond
Live rates
What it costs to ship an oversized package, right now
A 20 lb parcel from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Actual cost for your oversized package varies by ±10-30% with its specific weight and destination zone.
- 01
Ground FedEx 4d $46.79 +$37.48 - 02
Ground Saver UPS 5d $9.31 cheapest - 03
Ground Advantage USPS 5d $9.65 +$0.34
Close call Only $0.34 (4%) separates the cheapest from the runner-up. Free USPS home pickup or a closer drop-off can erase this gap. Pick by convenience, not price, at this margin.
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Before you pack
The box and materials
Box
Custom-sized heavy-duty corrugated
Calculate L + 2W + 2H to stay under carrier limits
An 84 x 24 x 12 box measures 84 + 48 + 24 = 156 in L+G (fits UPS).
Checklist
- Heavy-duty corrugated box
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Internal bracing (cardboard strips)
- Bubble wrap
- Oversized package labels
The process
Pack an oversized package in 5 steps
01 of 05
Measure before packing
Calculate L + 2W + 2H before sealing. If over 165 in, use freight; over 108 in, UPS or FedEx only.
02 of 05
Reinforce the box internally
Cardboard strips across the inside form cross-bracing that prevents the long box from bending.
03 of 05
Wrap the item
Bubble wrap or moving blankets.
04 of 05
Pack with bracing, not just fill
For oversized boxes, rigid bracing prevents deformation better than peanuts.
05 of 05
Heavy-duty tape every seam
Cross-taped at every intersection.
Carrier notes
Which carrier to use
USPS
Ground Advantage up to 108 in L+G. Declines anything longer.
UPS
Ground up to 165 in L+G. Oversize 1, 2, 3 surcharges apply above 96 in.
FedEx
Similar to UPS. Home Delivery declines over 108 in; FedEx Ground accepts up to 165 in.
Insurance + declared value
Protecting the package
Declare value for oversize shipments; handlers damage long boxes more often than standard ones.
Specialty shippers are worth it here.
For packages over 165 in L+G or awkward shapes (kayaks, long lumber), uShip or a freight forwarder is your only realistic option.
Get quotes on uShipFAQ
Common questions
Q01 What is "girth"?
Girth = 2 × width + 2 × height. For a 24 x 12 in box, girth = 48 + 24 = 72 in.
Q02 Do carriers measure the shipping box or the item inside?
The shipping box. Always.
Q03 Can I ship a rolled-up rug in a tube?
Yes, tubes count as long boxes. Standard limits apply.