USPS: Weight limit of 70 pounds for all size packages. The maximum size for parcel mail pieces is 108 inches in combined length and girth. USPS Retail Ground pieces may measure up to 130 inches. UPS and FedEx: Weight limit of 150 pounds for all size packages.

How To Ship a Heavy Package UPS

Weigh Your Item

If your package weighs more than 70 lbs, there may be an added fee for heavy or large packages. For more information go to Costs and Rates.
Remember, if it weighs more than 150 lbs, your package is considered freight. For information about shipping freight go here.

Package It Correctly

First things first – you need to pack your items in a sturdy box. If you don’t have one, you can order supplies online or buy one at The UPS Store.
Wrap items separately and use cushioning material. Get packaging tips.
Keep in mind, there are additional rules for special-care and prohibited items.
Seal your box with heavy-duty tape (preferably reinforced), by applying three strips to both the top and bottom of the box, so that the middle seam and the two edge seams are sealed.
You’ll need to know the dimensions and weight of your box. Keep them handy when you create a shipment.

Add “Heavy” Sticker

You must attach a heavy package sticker to all your packages that weigh more than 70 lbs (31.5 kgs).

Apply the bright yellow UPS heavy package sticker to your package at the right of the address label for maximum visibility.
Write the weight of your package in the white area on the label.
Using highly visible heavy package stickers allows UPS to give your heavy packages the special attention and handling that they need and deserve. The stickers alert our employees and your customers that special care should be taken to safely handle these packages.
You can get heavy package stickers by going to our Order Supplies page.

Tips for Packages Over 70 lbs (31.5 kg)

Boxes must be strongly constructed, preferably with seams that are stitched or stapled, not just glued.
Weight limits printed on the Box Maker’s Certificate (found on the bottom flaps of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments with small parcel carriers.
Use new boxes that are at their full strength and that have not been compromised by humidity or the wear and tear of previous use.
Use only dense cushioning material to protect your heavy package contents.
Use customized corrugated board or engineered foam enclosures to reinforce the rigidity of the outer box.

FedEX Oversized vs. freight shipping

Oversized vs. freight shipping

Sending a package can be difficult. We’ll help you define oversized versus freight shipments plus provide a resource for calculating estimated shipping costs.

Oversize packages and additional handling charges

Oversized packages are determined by dimensions of the package. Additional handling surcharges may result from weight of the package. FedEx U.S. Ground and Express services apply an oversize charge shipping fee when packages exceed the following dimension:

Dimensions with a girth of more than 130 inches

FedEx classifies packages that meet or exceed at least one of the following criteria as freight:

Weight heavier than 150 lbs.
Dimensions with a combined length and girth of more than 165 inches

For detailed instructions to ship your large item via freight, see our step-by-step guide

Tips when shipping large items

When it comes to oversized shipments, some tried-and-true methods will help ensure your product reaches its destination in one piece. As shipping pros, FedEx suggests doing the following:

- Use a strong box. The heavier your items, the sturdier box you need. Find a brand-new one as previously used boxes might be flimsier or compromised. You can even pack your box within another box to provide an extra layer of strength and protection. If you use a box-in- box to ship your package be sure to include some cushioning between the boxes for added protection.

- Opt for heavy-duty packing tape. Once you’ve securely placed your items in the box, seal it with reinforced packing tape, following the “H” technique along the seams. Do not use masking, duct, or Scotch tape for shipments.

- Determine how to ship your large package based on weight and size. Weigh and measure your package to determine your shipping method, which might be standard delivery, oversized shipping, or freight. You can use a tape measure to calculate the overall length and girth of the box and weigh the package with a standard bathroom scale.

Consider dividing the shipment into multiple packages. You may be able to avoid large package shipping fees by sending the items in several boxes versus one large parcel. Although you’ll need to pay the standard shipping rate for each box, shipping multiple smaller packages may or may not be less expensive than shipping an oversized package and incurring additional charges.

Calculating oversized shipping fees

Use the FedEx shipment calculator to estimate shipping costs. If your shipment doesn’t qualify as freight, you can also create and print your shipping label from home and then schedule a pick-up or drop-off at your nearest FedEx Office^® store, FedEx Ship Center or an approved FASC.

Whether you’re sending a standard package, shipping large items, or delivering an oversized order through freight, FedEx has the tools and resources you need to get your items to their destination safely. For additional information on how to pack and ship specific items, visit the FedEx Learning Center.

Oversize and heavyweight items