Two cartons quoted 2026-07-28 on the same lane, one either side of the threshold.
Where the surcharge starts
UPS treats a domestic package as large when any one of four things is true: length plus girth over 130 inches, longest side over 96 inches, weight over 110 lb, or cubic size over 17,280 inches. Girth is twice the width plus twice the height. Cross any line and the package is also rated at a minimum billable weight of 90 lb, whatever it actually weighs.
| Address type | Zone band | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Zone 2 | $219.50 |
| Commercial | Zones 3 to 4 | $239.50 |
| Commercial | Zones 5 to 6 | $273.00 |
| Commercial | Zone 7 and beyond | $286.00 |
| Residential | Zone 2 | $254.50 |
| Residential | Zones 3 to 4 | $274.50 |
| Residential | Zones 5 to 6 | $320.50 |
| Residential | Zone 7 and beyond | $331.00 |
Source: 2026 UPS Rate and Service Guide, Daily Rates, updated July 7, 2026, per ups.com, checked 2026-07-28. Only one large package surcharge is assessed per package, applied in the order length plus girth, length, weight, cubic size.
FedEx runs the same idea under a different name. Its oversize charge applies to packages over 96 inches in length or 130 inches in length and girth, carries the same 90 lb minimum billable weight, and is published for 2026 at $255.00 in zone 2, $275.00 in zones 3 and 4, and $320.00 in zones 5 and 6. Both carriers bill on the greater of rounded actual weight and dimensional weight before any of this.
Three cartons across the line, quoted 2026-07-28
All three of these went from Newark, NJ 07102 to Atlanta, GA 30303 through our calculator on the same afternoon. The first two sit under the threshold. The third is barely over it, and the price says so.
| Carton | Length plus girth | Actual weight | Cheapest rate | Over 130 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 x 18 x 14 in | 88 in | 5 lb | $36.75 | No |
| 30 x 20 x 20 in | 110 in | 25 lb | $77.56 | No |
| 40 x 24 x 24 in | 136 in | 20 lb | $203.72 | Yes |
The 40 x 24 x 24 in carton weighs 20 lb, five pounds less than the 30 x 20 x 20 in one, and costs $126.16 more. Six inches of extra length is what separates them. That is the shape of the cliff: the surcharge is flat, the minimum billable weight is 90 lb, and neither cares that your carton was mostly air.
All three prices are SMKlog live rates from 2026-07-28; the 24 x 18 x 14 in figure comes from our July dimensional-weight set and the other two were quoted for this page. Length plus girth is computed from the stated dimensions.
Measure before you tape
Length plus girth is the number to check, and it climbs fast because width and height both count twice. A 40 by 24 by 24 inch carton reads 136 inches; drop it to 40 by 20 by 20 and it reads 120. If your contents allow a tighter box, the ten minutes spent repacking is worth more than any comparison shopping.
Past the surcharge sits a hard stop
UPS does not accept packages over 150 lb, over 108 inches in length, or over 165 inches in length plus girth. Anything found in the system beyond those limits carries a $1,875.00 charge and can be sent back at the shipper's expense. FedEx publishes the same $1,875.00 figure for its ground unauthorized package charge.
At that size, freight is the comparison
One very large carton on a parcel network is usually the most expensive way to move it. SMKlog sells parcel labels only and does not arrange pallet or freight shipments.
Large package questions
When does the UPS large package surcharge apply?
When length plus girth exceeds 130 inches, the longest side exceeds 96 inches, weight exceeds 110 lb, or cubic size exceeds 17,280 inches. Girth is twice the width plus twice the height. Only one surcharge is assessed, in the order length plus girth, length, weight, cubic size.
How much does it add?
UPS publishes $219.50 to $286.00 per package to a commercial address and $254.50 to $331.00 to a residential one, by zone band, in its 2026 Rate and Service Guide updated July 7, 2026. FedEx publishes $255.00 to $320.00 for the equivalent oversize charge.
What is the 90 lb minimum billable weight?
A large package is rated as though it weighed at least 90 lb even when it does not. That is why a 20 lb carton measuring 40 by 24 by 24 inches quoted $203.72 on 2026-07-28 while a heavier 25 lb carton under the threshold quoted $77.56.
Is there a size UPS simply refuses?
Yes. Packages over 150 lb, over 108 inches long, or over 165 inches in length plus girth are not accepted for transportation, carry a $1,875.00 charge if found in the network, and can be returned at the shipper's expense.