How are shipping rates calculated?

SHIPPING RATES

In the rate calculator, you can see the estimated shipping rates. These are discounted rates to us offered by major shippers: FedEx, DHL, UPS and USPS. When requesting a shipment, you can view different rates and select the one that works best for you. 

The rates are estimates only and not exact rates. Because our system runs an algorithm that combines the size and weight of your packages and estimates what it thinks the combined item box size and weight will be. 

We know the exact weight and size only upon packing and shipping. And in 90% of the cases, our exact rate is LESS than what is estimated in the shipping calculator.

For each rate, the calculator also shows if we can ship today, ETA (estimated business days for arrival), and 2 rates: 

Our Rate: is the discounted rate we are getting from the shipper for you
Retail: is the rate you would pay if you went to a local store or online and paid for the same shipment.

What is Dimensional Weight?

Shipping Rates are based on the combined weight and dimensions of all items in your request. 

Please note shippers will charge based on dimensions and if dimensional weight exceeds actual weight. For a detailed explanation on how shippers calculate dimensional weight, click here.

Can I choose to ship my package by regular weight vs. dimensional weight?

This decision is made by the shipper only. The shippers- UPS, USPS, DHL, FedEx, etc- decide whether a package will ship dimensionally or by simple weight. 

Shippers calculate rates based on a variety of factors including how much space and availability they have on the planes they are flying to the destination country. So if a box has dimensions of 24x24x24, even if it has feather dusters in it and weighs just 5lbs, the box will be billed at a much higher weight (or dimensional weight) as it takes up a lot more space in the shipper plane than a box that is 5lbs but is 6x6x6 in size.