Shipping rates are based on the size and weight of your package. In general, the larger or heavier your box or case, the more expensive your shipment will be for a given origin, destination and shipping speed.
Carriers use two different size calculations and weight to determine rates and possible surcharges.
How Shipping Size Is Calculated
Cubic size
Cubic size is calculated using the total volume of your package:
Cubic size = length × width × height
= L × W × H
Length + girth size
Length + girth is a standard carrier measurement that represents the total distance around your package:
Length + girth = length + (2 × width) + (2 × height)
= L + (2 x W) + (2 x H)
Where:
Length (L) is the longest side
Width (W) is the second-longest side
Height (H) is the remaining side
Both size calculations are used by carriers to determine rates and whether Additional Handling and Large Package Surcharges apply.
Shipping Smaller Items Like Components and Accessories
You’ll typically see the lowest shipping rates when your package meets all of the following criteria:
Length + girth less than 105 inches
Cubic size less than 10,368 cubic inches
Weight under 50 pounds (domestic) or 55 pounds (international)
Length (longest side) under 48 inches
Width (second-longest side) under 30 inches
Average weight in a multi-package shipment under 50 pounds
Packed in corrugated cardboard (not shrink-wrapped and not in a hard or soft case)
If any of these criteria are exceeded, the carrier’s Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) applies.
Shipping Larger Items Like Bike Boxes and Bike Cases
When shipping larger packages, including many bike boxes and bike cases, you’ll get the best rates when your package meets the following criteria:
Length + girth less than 130 inches
Cubic size less than 17,280 cubic inches
Weight under 110 pounds
Longest side under 96 inches
If any of these thresholds are exceeded, the carrier’s Large Package Surcharge (LPS) applies.
How Additional Surcharges Are Applied
Additional Handling and Large Package Surcharges apply to both domestic and international shipments. Surcharge amounts vary based on the criteria exceeded and the number of zones a shipment spans.
If a package meets multiple surcharge criteria, only one surcharge will be applied, in the following order:
Weight
Length + girth
Length
Width
Cubic size
Packaging
An Additional Handling Surcharge will not be applied if a Large Package Surcharge applies.
Maximum Size and Weight Limits
Important reminder:
You cannot ship packages within the US that exceed:
165 inches length + girth (419 cm)
108 inches in length (274 cm)
International maximum length + girth size is typically 157 inches (399 cm) or less and varies by country.
You also cannot ship packages weighing more than 150 pounds (68 kg).
