Have you ever shipped a package that seemed “normal” but ended up costing you a fortune? It might be the circumference of a package you’ve never heard of. Don’t worry, it’s not some imaginary shipping monstrosity! It’s just the “thickness” of the package that’s the issue, and it can have a surprising impact on your shipping costs.
Why is waist circumference important?
Imagine a conveyor belt packed with boxes. Bulky, oddly shaped packages can jam them, slow everything down, and even damage other packages. That’s why shipping companies impose limits on both the length and circumference of packages (think of it as the package’s “thickness”) to keep packages flowing smoothly.
What is the circumference of the package?
By definition, girth is the circumference of anything. In shipping, the cost of shipping a package is determined by its circumference. Every package has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Here’s how to calculate the girth of a package:
Measure your luggage circumference in 3 easy steps:
| procedure | explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Find the longest side | This is your length |
| 2. Measure the width and height | Add these two numbers together and you get |
| 3. Calculate your waist size | Multiply the sum from step 2 by 2 |
example:
| size | measurement |
|---|---|
| length | 15 inch |
| Width + Height | 10 inches + 12 inches = 22 inches |
| girth | 22 inches x 2 = 44 inches |
Pro tips for mastering your waist measurement:
| Tip | explanation |
|---|---|
| Use flexible tape | Using a bendable measuring tape ensures precision, especially with curved packages. |
| Round Measurement | We round to the nearest inch to comply with shipping guidelines. |
| Check waist size limits | Make sure you know the limitations of your chosen courier company to avoid any surprises. |
| Filling empty spaces | Packing pellets are used to create a uniform shape and reduce girth. |
Maximum girth limits for major courier carriers:
| Career | Maximum length | Max Garth |
|---|---|---|
| Purolator | 108 inches | 165 inches |
| UPS | 108 inches | 165 inches |
| FedEx | 108 inches | 130 inches |
General Courier Restrictions:
| Shipping method | Maximum weight |
|---|---|
| International Shipping | 150 pounds |
| Air transport | 150 pounds |
| Land Transportation | 150 pounds |
Avoid hidden fees:
Packages over 130 inches (330 cm) in circumference may incur an additional “special handling” fee. Most courier companies will not accept packages over 165 inches (419 cm) in circumference. Understanding these limitations can help you choose the right service and avoid hidden costs.
Make shipping easy with FlagShip
No more hassle with calculating girth and trying to find the best rate – with FlagShip, you simply enter the exact dimensions and weight of your package and we do the rest, finding the best rate for your package size and ensuring you save every time.
Are you 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 your redelivery options and taking proactive measures, we can minimize missed deliveries and ensure your packages arrive safely and conveniently.
As a FlagShip customer, enjoy exclusive benefits:
| advantage | explanation |
|---|---|
| Best discounted rates | Access the best shipping rates available |
| Professional customer service | Our highly trained team is available from 8am-5pm EST |
| Easy tracking tool | Easily monitor and manage your belongings |
| Support you can rely on | If you have any issues with your delivery, we’re here to help you online or over the phone |
Shipping cheap packages doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With FlagShip, you get reliable courier service, great shipping rates, and a user-friendly system that simplifies the entire process. Sign up now and see how much you could save.
If you need assistance with your package’s circumference or shipping quotes, please call us at 1-866-320-8383 or email us at sales@flagshipcompany.com.
