UPS Hundredweight Service: Savings for Multi-Package Shipments

When you ship multiple packages to the same destination on the same day, UPS Hundredweight Service (CWT) can save you 50–70% compared to shipping each package individually. This lesser-known UPS service is one of the most powerful cost-reduction tools available to businesses that regularly ship in volume, yet many shippers are unaware it exists or do not understand how to qualify.

What Is UPS Hundredweight Service?

UPS Hundredweight Service is a contract-based pricing program that treats multiple packages going to the same destination on the same day as a single, consolidated shipment. Instead of pricing each package individually by its weight and zone, UPS calculates the rate based on the total combined weight of all packages in the shipment, using a per-hundred-pounds (per-CWT) rate.

The name comes from the traditional shipping term "hundredweight" (CWT), where C is the Roman numeral for 100 and WT stands for weight. One CWT equals 100 pounds.

How Hundredweight Pricing Works

Standard individual pricing: Each package is rated separately.

Example: 5 packages of 40 lbs each, Zone 5

• Package 1: $32.60
• Package 2: $32.60
• Package 3: $32.60
• Package 4: $32.60
• Package 5: $32.60
• Total: $163.00

Hundredweight pricing: All packages rated as one 200 lb shipment.

• 200 lbs × per-CWT rate for Zone 5
• Per-CWT rate (Ground, Zone 5): approximately $28.50 per 100 lbs
• Total: $57.00

Savings: $106.00 (65%)

Eligibility Requirements

Not all shipments qualify for Hundredweight Service. Here are the requirements:

Shipment Requirements

Available Services

Hundredweight is available on these UPS services:

Account Requirements

Hundredweight Rate Examples (2026)

UPS Ground Hundredweight Rates (per CWT)

Savings Comparison: Individual vs Hundredweight

#### Scenario: 10 Packages × 25 lbs = 250 lbs Total, Zone 5

#### Scenario: 4 Packages × 50 lbs = 200 lbs Total, Zone 8

How to Ship Using Hundredweight Service

Method 1: Through UPS WorldShip

Open UPS WorldShip desktop application

Create a new shipment

Enter the origin and destination addresses

Add multiple packages to the shipment (click "Add Package" for each)

Enter the weight and dimensions of each package

WorldShip automatically detects when the total weight exceeds 200 lbs

The Hundredweight rate is applied automatically if your account is enrolled

Print labels for all packages in the shipment

Method 2: Through UPS.com

Log into ups.com with your business account

Go to Ship > Create a Shipment

Enter addresses and service level

Under Number of Packages, enter the package count

Enter weight and dimensions for each package

If the total weight qualifies, Hundredweight pricing is applied

Review the rate and complete the shipment

Method 3: Through Shipping Platforms (API)

When using shipping platforms like Atoship that integrate with the UPS API:

Create a multi-package shipment to a single destination

The platform automatically checks Hundredweight eligibility

If eligible, the Hundredweight rate is returned alongside individual rates

The platform selects the cheaper option automatically

Important: Labeling Hundredweight Shipments

Each package in a Hundredweight shipment gets its own individual tracking label, but they are linked as a single shipment:

• Package 1 of 10, Tracking: 1Z999AA10388940001
• Package 2 of 10, Tracking: 1Z999AA10388940002
• ...
• Package 10 of 10, Tracking: 1Z999AA10388940010

All packages share the same shipment identifier and must be tendered together.

Optimization Strategies

1. Consolidate Orders to the Same Destination

If you have multiple orders going to the same customer or the same distribution point, ship them together rather than individually:

2. Strategic Shipment Timing

Hold shipments to the same destination and release them together once you have 200+ lbs:

• Monday: 3 packages to Customer A (90 lbs) — hold
• Tuesday: 2 packages to Customer A (70 lbs) — hold
• Wednesday: 3 packages to Customer A (80 lbs) — release all 8 packages (240 lbs) as CWT

Caveat: Only hold shipments if the delay is acceptable. For time-sensitive orders, ship immediately even if individual rates apply.

3. Partner with Nearby Businesses

If you ship to the same geographic area as another business, consider:

• Coordinating shipments to shared destinations
• Using a consolidator or third-party logistics provider that aggregates volume
• Shipping to a shared receiving warehouse in the destination market

4. Adjust Package Weights to Qualify

If your total shipment weight is close to the 200 lb minimum, consider:

• Adding pending orders to the same shipment
• Including marketing materials or samples to push the weight over 200 lbs
• Redistributing items across packages to ensure the total qualifies

5. Zone Optimization

Hundredweight savings are largest for long-zone (coast-to-coast) shipments. If you have warehouses in multiple locations, route Hundredweight shipments from the farthest warehouse to maximize percentage savings.

Hundredweight vs LTL Freight

For very heavy multi-package shipments, you may wonder whether Hundredweight or LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight is the better option:

When to Choose Hundredweight Over LTL

• Total weight is 200–1,000 lbs
• Residential delivery is needed
• Fast transit time is important
• Individual boxes are preferred over pallets
• Inside delivery is needed

When to Choose LTL Over Hundredweight

• Total weight exceeds 1,000+ lbs
• Items are already palletized
• Transit time flexibility exists (2+ week window)
• Dock-to-dock delivery is acceptable
• Freight class is favorable

Surcharges and Fees

Hundredweight shipments may incur the following surcharges:

Note that the residential delivery surcharge is applied once per shipment, not per package — this is another advantage of Hundredweight over individual package shipping, where the surcharge would apply to each package.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Splitting Shipments Across Days

All packages must be tendered on the same day. If your warehouse processes orders over multiple days, the packages will ship individually at standard rates.

2. Using Different Service Levels

All packages in a Hundredweight shipment must use the same service (e.g., all UPS Ground or all UPS 2nd Day Air). Mixing services disqualifies the shipment.

3. Forgetting to Enroll

Hundredweight rates are not automatic — your UPS account must be enrolled in the program. Contact your UPS account representative to ensure Hundredweight pricing is active.

4. Underestimating the 200 lb Minimum

If your total weight falls below 200 lbs, the shipment reverts to individual package pricing. Always verify the total weight before processing.

Conclusion

UPS Hundredweight Service is one of the most significant cost-saving opportunities available to businesses that ship multiple packages to the same destination. With potential savings of 50–70% compared to individual package rates, CWT can dramatically reduce your shipping costs. The key is to identify qualifying shipments, consolidate orders strategically, and ensure your UPS account is properly enrolled. If you regularly ship 200+ lbs to the same addresses, activating Hundredweight Service should be at the top of your shipping optimization list.