Additional Handling Fees: Avoidance Guide
Additional handling fees are charged for packages that require extra care or equipment. These fees can add $16-18 per package.
Current Additional Handling Fees
| Carrier | Standard AHS | Oversize | Heavy |
|---|
| UPS | $16.00 | $97.00 | $32.00 |
| FedEx | $17.50 | $98.00 | $35.00 |
| USPS | None | None | None |
What Triggers Additional Handling?
Dimension-Based Triggers:
| Criteria | UPS | FedEx |
|---|
| Longest side | >48" | >48" |
| Second longest | >30" | >30" |
| Length + girth | >105" | >105" |
| Criteria | UPS | FedEx |
|---|
| Package weight | >50 lbs | >50 lbs |
| Per piece | Charged | Charged |
| Package Type | AHS Applies? |
|---|
| Metal/wood crate | Yes |
| Wheels/casters | Yes |
| Cylindrical | Yes |
| Loosely wrapped | Yes |
| No packaging (strapped) | Yes |
Examples That Trigger AHS
| Item | Why |
|---|
| Rolled carpet | Cylindrical |
| Unboxed luggage | Wheels |
| Wood crate | Material |
| 55 lb box | Weight |
| Poster tube | Longest side |
How to Avoid AHS
1. Split Heavy Packages
| Before | After |
|---|
| 1 × 60 lbs (+$32) | 2 × 30 lbs ($0) |
| Extra cost: $32 | Extra shipping: ~$10 |
| Net savings: ~$22 |
| Before | After |
|---|
| Tube 36" long | Rectangular box |
| +$16.00 AHS | $0 AHS |
| Avoid | Use Instead |
|---|
| Metal straps | Corrugated box |
| Wood crate | Cardboard + wood base |
| Open items | Fully enclosed box |
Keep longest side under 48":
| Current | Optimized |
|---|
| 52 × 20 × 10 | 46 × 24 × 12 |
| AHS: $16 | AHS: $0 |
AHS vs Oversize
| Category | Criteria | Fee |
|---|
| Additional Handling | >48" longest OR >30" second | $16-17.50 |
| Oversize | >96" length OR >130" L+girth | $97-98 |
| Large Package | Both may apply | Additive |
USPS Alternative
USPS doesn't charge AHS but has limits:
| Dimension | USPS Limit |
|---|
| Longest side | 108" |
| Length + girth | 130" |
| Weight | 70 lbs |
Cost Comparison for Large Items
| Package 50" × 25" × 12" |
|---|
| UPS Ground + AHS: $22 + $16 = $38 |
| FedEx Ground + AHS: $21 + $17.50 = $38.50 |
| USPS Ground: $28 (no AHS) |
Negotiating AHS
High-volume shippers can negotiate:
| Volume | Possible Reduction |
|---|
| 500+/month with AHS | 15-25% |
| 1000+/month with AHS | 25-40% |
Best Practices
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|
| Measure before shipping | Avoid surprises |
| Use size calculator | Optimize dimensions |
| Compare USPS | Often cheaper for oversized |
| Split when sensible | Avoid weight triggers |
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