Ever shipped a package that seemed “normal” but ended up costing a small fortune? The culprit might be something you’ve never heard of: girth of a package. Don’t worry, it’s not some mythical shipping beast! It’s just the “thickness” of your package, and it can have a surprising impact on your shipping costs.
Why Does Girth Matter?
Imagine a conveyor belt packed with boxes. Bulky, oddly shaped packages can jam things up, slow everything down, and even damage other shipments. So, shipping companies set limits on both length and girth of a package (think package “thickness”) to keep things flowing smoothly.
What is the Girth of a Package?
Girth, by definition, is the measure around anything; in shipping, it’s the circumference that determines how much a package will cost to ship. Each package has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Here’s how you calculate the girth of a package:
3 Simple Steps to Measure the Girth of a Package:
Steps
Description
1. Find the Longest Side
This is your length
2. Measure Width and Height
Add these two numbers together
3. Calculate Girth
Multiply the sum from step 2 by 2
Example:
Dimension
Measurement
Length
15″
Width + Height
10″ + 12″ = 22″
Girth
22″ x 2 = 44″
Pro Tips to Master Girth Measurement:
Tip
Description
Use Flexible Tape
A bendable measuring tape ensures accuracy, especially with curved packages.
Round Measurements
Round to the nearest inch for consistency with shipping guidelines.
Check Girth Limits
Know the limits for your chosen courier to avoid surprises.
Fill Empty Spaces
Use packing peanuts to create a uniform shape and reduce girth.
Max Girth Limits for Major Couriers:
Carrier
Max Length
Max Girth
Purolator
108in
165in
UPS
108in
165in
FedEx
108in
130in
Common Courier Limits:
Shipping Method
Max Weight
International Shipping
150lbs
Air Shipping
150lbs
Ground Shipping
150lbs
Avoid Hidden Charges:
Packages with a girth over 130 inches (330cm) can incur additional “special handling” charges. Most couriers won’t accept parcels with a girth over 165 inches (419cm). Understanding these limits can help you choose the right service and avoid hidden costs.
Make Shipping Easy with FlagShip
Forget about the hassle of calculating girth and finding the best rates. With FlagShip, you simply enter the correct dimensions and weight of your package, and our system does the rest! We find you the best rates for your shipment size, ensuring you save money every time.
Ready to simplify your shipping?
Sign up for a FREE FlagShip account and experience the convenience for yourself! Click here to get started
Why Choose FlagShip?
FlagShip is committed to making your shipping experience stress-free. By understanding redelivery options and taking proactive steps, you can minimize missed deliveries and ensure your packages arrive safely and conveniently.
Enjoy Exclusive Benefits as a FlagShip Customer:
Benefit
Description
Top Discounted Rates
Access to the best shipping rates available
Expert Customer Service
Highly-trained team available from 8:00am – 5:00pm EST
Easy Tracking Tools
Monitor and manage your shipments effortlessly
Reliable Support
Get help online or via phone for any shipping issues
Cheap package shipping doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With FlagShip, you get access to reliable courier services, great shipping rates, and a user-friendly system that simplifies the entire process. Sign up now and see how much you can save!
If you need any assistance with the girth of a package or a shipping quote, please reach out to our team at 1-866-320-8383 or email us at sales@flagshipcompany.com
Enjoy a world of affordable shipping solutions for your business with FlagShip. Let us handle your shipping needs, so you can focus on growing your business! Follow us on Instagram for more shipping tips and support.
