UPS · surcharge triggers
UPS additional handling & large package checker.
Enter a package. See which UPS Additional Handling, Large Package or Over Maximum Limits triggers it meets, quoted from the UPS support page.
Package
UPS result
The UPS triggers, as UPS states them
| Charge | Triggered when | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Handling | Longest side over 48 in; second-longest side over 30 in; domestic cubic size over 10,368 cu in; average weight per package over 50 lb; or not fully encased in corrugated cardboard | Not assessed when a Large Package Surcharge applies |
| Large Package (domestic) | Length + girth over 130 in; length over 96 in; cubic size over 17,280 cu in; or weight over 110 lb | 90 lb minimum billable weight, except UPS Ground with Freight Pricing |
| Over Maximum Limits | Over 150 lb, over 108 in length, or over 165 in length + girth | Individual packages only; no limit on total shipment weight or number of packages |
Worked edge: 30 x 24 x 24 in is exactly 17,280 cu in, so it is over the Additional Handling volume (10,368) but not over the Large Package volume. 30 x 24 x 24.01 in is a Large Package. The comparisons are strictly "greater than", matching the UPS wording ("exceeding", "greater than").
UPS applies a weight test as an average per package for a shipment, or to a package over 50 lb whose weight is not specified; this tool tests the single package weight you enter. The tool reads "cubic size" as length x width x height.
Why there are no dollar amounts
UPS publishes surcharge amounts in its Daily Rates and Standard List Rates guides, and they change with rate updates and with peak-season demand surcharges. This page shows triggers only. Take amounts from your UPS invoice or the guide at ups.com/dailyratezones.
Sources
Carriers revise thresholds and fees; confirm against the live document before relying on a figure for a contract or a dispute. This is a guide, not a carrier quote or a ruling.
FAQ
What triggers the UPS additional handling surcharge?
UPS lists a longest side over 48 inches, a second-longest side over 30 inches, a domestic cubic size over 10,368 cubic inches, a weight over 50 pounds, or packaging that is not fully encased in corrugated cardboard.
What is the UPS large package surcharge threshold?
For domestic shipments, a package is a Large Package when length plus girth exceeds 130 inches, its length exceeds 96 inches, its cubic size exceeds 17,280 cubic inches, or its weight exceeds 110 pounds. It has a 90 pound minimum billable weight.
Can a package get both additional handling and large package charges?
No. UPS states an Additional Handling charge is not assessed when a Large Package Surcharge is applied.
What happens above 150 pounds or 165 inches at UPS?
Packages above 150 pounds, 108 inches in length or 165 inches in length and girth are subject to an Over Maximum Limits charge.