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This guide provides key information to ship your oversized items with USPS. By understanding their definitions, available services, best packaging practices, and pricing structures, you can use USPS for your larger shipping needs.
Decoding “Oversized”: Understanding USPS Size and Weight Limits
Before packing your large item, it’s essential to understand what USPS considers “oversized.” This classification is based on specific weight and dimension thresholds that impact which services you can use and how much you’ll pay.
What Exactly Does “Oversized” Mean to USPS?
For USPS, a package becomes “oversized” when it exceeds certain size limits, with weight also playing a significant role in determining mailability and pricing.
To properly measure your package:
- Identify the “length,” which is the longest side of the package
- Determine the “girth,” which is the distance around the thickest part perpendicular to the length
- For a rectangular box, calculate girth by adding the height and width, multiplying by two, and adding it to the length
The standard maximum combined length and girth for most USPS mailpieces is 108 inches. However, USPS Ground Advantage allows a maximum combined length and girth of up to 130 inches. Items measuring between 108 and 130 inches will be charged at the oversized price.
If your item’s combined length and girth exceeds 130 inches, USPS considers it nonmailable.
The Crucial Numbers: Maximum Weight and Combined Length + Girth
Beyond dimensional limits, weight is equally important. The overall maximum weight limit for domestic USPS packages is 70 pounds across most shipping services.
To recap:
- Standard maximum combined length and girth: 108 inches
- USPS Ground Advantage maximum: 130 inches
- Overall maximum weight: 70 pounds
Lower maximum size and weight standards might apply for mail addressed to military (APO/FPO/DPO) locations.
What Happens If Your Package Doesn’t Fit the Bill?
Exceeding either the maximum weight of 70 pounds or the maximum dimensional limit of 130 inches carries significant consequences:
- Items exceeding these thresholds are classified as nonmailable
- If discovered in the postal network, a substantial oversize/overweight item fee of $200 will be assessed
- This fee is waived if the item is identified and picked up at the facility where it was initially entered
- If the assessed fee remains unpaid and the item isn’t retrieved within 14 calendar days, USPS may consider it abandoned
- Postage and other fees paid initially are not refundable for items deemed nonmailable due to being oversized
This underscores the importance of accurately measuring and weighing your packages before shipping.
Choosing Your Shipping Adventure: USPS Services for Oversized Packages
Once you understand the size and weight limitations, the next step is determining which USPS shipping service best suits your oversized item.
USPS Retail Ground: Your Reliable Option for Larger Items
For packages exceeding Priority Mail’s size limitations but remaining within the 130-inch maximum, USPS Retail Ground is often the go-to service.
- Uses ground-based transportation
- Delivery time: 2-8 business days
- Maximum weight: 70 pounds
- Combined length and girth: Up to 130 inches
- Packages between 108-130 inches subject to oversized pricing
- More economical option for larger items not requiring expedited delivery
Priority Mail: Can Your Oversized Item Fly This Route?
Priority Mail is known for faster delivery but has more restrictive size limits for oversized items.
- Delivery time: Typically 2-3 business days
- Maximum combined length and girth: 108 inches
- Maximum weight: 70 pounds
- For packages larger than 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches), postage might be calculated based on dimensional weight
- Even lightweight packages can incur higher shipping costs if they take up significant space
USPS Ground Advantage
USPS Ground Advantage is a newer service that has replaced First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, and Retail Ground.
- Maximum combined length and girth: 130 inches
- Maximum weight: 70 pounds
- Delivery time: Typically 2-5 business days
- Balances cost and speed for ground shipments
- Packages between 108-130 inches incur oversized pricing
Comparing USPS Shipping Services for Oversized Items
| Service Name | Maximum Size (Length + Girth) | Maximum Weight | Delivery Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Retail Ground | 130 inches | 70 lbs | 2-8 business days | Ground transport, good for very large items |
| Priority Mail | 108 inches | 70 lbs | 2-3 business days | Faster delivery, dimensional weight may apply |
| USPS Ground Advantage | 130 inches | 70 lbs | 2-5 business days | Good balance of cost and size limit, replaced multiple services |
Packing Like a Pro: Ensuring Your Oversized Item Arrives Safely
Proper packaging is paramount when shipping oversized items. Due to their size and potential weight, these packages are more susceptible to damage during transit if not packed correctly.
Selecting the Right Box: Size, Strength, and Avoiding the Bulge
Choosing the appropriate box is the first crucial step:
- Use a sturdy box made of strong corrugated cardboard, especially for heavy or fragile items
- Select a box just large enough to comfortably accommodate your item with adequate cushioning
- Avoid excessively large boxes, which can increase dimensional weight charges and allow items to shift
- Prevent overstuffing, which causes bulging and potential damage
- If reusing a box, ensure it’s in good condition without tears, punctures, or weakness
- Remove or completely cover old labels, barcodes, and markings
The Importance of Cushioning: Protecting Your Precious Cargo
Ample cushioning is vital to protect your oversized item during transit:
- Prevent movement within the box and absorb impacts
- Effective cushioning options include bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam sheets/blocks, and crumpled paper
- Wrap fragile items individually before placing them in the box
- Leave space between items and box walls
- Pay special attention to box corners, which are vulnerable to damage
- For heavier items, consider custom-fitting foam inserts or multiple layers of robust cushioning
- Ensure contents cannot shift when the box is shaken
Sealing it Securely: Mastering the Art of Packing Tape
Once your item is safely cushioned within the box:
- Use strong, 2-inch-wide packing tape
- Apply tape generously across all seams and flaps, both top and bottom
- Consider taping along all edges for reinforcement
- Avoid using string, cord, or twine, which can get caught in sorting equipment
- For packages over 10 pounds, use reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding
- Packages weighing 25-50 pounds require fiberboard boxes with minimum strength ratings
- Even higher ratings needed for packages between 50-70 pounds
Addressing for Success: Clear Labels and Return Information
Proper addressing ensures your oversized item reaches its destination:
- Write delivery and return addresses clearly and legibly
- Place addresses parallel to the longest side of the package
- Ensure address labels are securely adhered, not bent, folded, or overlapping
- Include a return address in case the package cannot be delivered
- If printing a shipping label online, attach it firmly without wrinkles or barcode obstructions
For more detailed instructions on proper packing, visit the USPS “How to Pack a Box” page: USPS Packaging Guidelines.
The Cost Factor: Understanding USPS Pricing for Oversized Packages
Shipping costs for oversized packages vary depending on service choice, weight, dimensions, and distance. Understanding key pricing components helps estimate and manage these costs effectively.
Decoding Dimensional Weight: When Size Matters More Than Actual Weight
For larger, lightweight packages, USPS uses dimensional weight (DIM weight) pricing for packages larger than one cubic foot (1728 cubic inches).
To calculate dimensional weight:
- Measure length, width, and height in inches
- Multiply these three dimensions together
- Divide the result by 166 (the USPS DIM factor)
- The result is the dimensional weight in pounds
USPS charges based on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight.
Example: A package measuring 16″ × 12″ × 10″ with an actual weight of 5 pounds:
- Volume: 1920 cubic inches (16 × 12 × 10)
- Dimensional weight: 1920 ÷ 166 = 11.57 pounds, rounded up to 12 pounds
- You would be charged for a 12-pound package, despite its actual 5-pound weight
Oversized Surcharges: What to Expect for Larger Dimensions
USPS imposes “oversized prices” or surcharges for packages exceeding certain dimensional thresholds:
- Packages with combined length and girth greater than 108 inches but not exceeding 130 inches are subject to oversized pricing
- Nonstandard fees apply to packages exceeding specific lengths or cubic volumes
- Additional fees for packages:
- Between 22-30 inches long
- Exceeding 30 inches in length
- With cubic volume greater than 2 cubic feet (3456 cubic inches)
- Fees range from $4.00 for packages between 22-30 inches to $18.00 for longer packages
- For packages exceeding 2 cubic feet, additional fees of $30.00 for expedited services and $18.00 for ground shipping may apply
These surcharge amounts are subject to change, so consult the current USPS price list or online calculator.
Navigating the USPS Postage Calculator for Accurate Estimates
The most reliable way to determine shipping costs for your oversized package is using the USPS Postage Calculator.
To get an accurate estimate:
- Have precise dimensions (length, width, height) ready
- Know the exact weight of your packaged item
- The calculator will factor in dimensional weight adjustments and oversized surcharges
This tool is invaluable for comparing costs of different services and avoiding unexpected fees.
Handling with Care: Special Considerations for Oversized Shipments
Shipping oversized items involves special considerations regarding drop-off, pick-up, and restrictions.
Where Can You Drop Off or Pick Up Oversized Packages?
- Generally, oversized packages can be dropped off at any USPS Post Office
- For exceptionally large or heavy packages, bring directly to the counter rather than using self-service kiosks
- USPS offers free Package Pickup from your home or business for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage
- Schedule pickups online through the USPS website
- For delivery, if an item is too large for the recipient’s mailbox, the carrier will attempt door delivery
- If no one is home and there’s no secure location, the carrier will leave a notice for pickup at the local post office
Restrictions on What You Can Send: A Quick Overview
USPS has specific regulations on prohibited or restricted items:
- Generally prohibited items include air bags, ammunition, explosives, gasoline, and liquid mercury
- Restricted items like lithium batteries, perishables, and hazardous materials have specific packaging and labeling requirements
- Oversized items may contain a wider variety of goods, so it’s crucial to check restrictions
- Find a comprehensive list on the USPS Shipping Restrictions page
Ensuring compliance will prevent potential delays, returns, or penalties.
Keeping Tabs: Tracking Your Oversized Package and What to Do if Things Go Wrong
USPS offers robust tracking options for most shipping services and has processes for handling lost or damaged packages.
Utilizing USPS Tracking for Peace of Mind
USPS provides tracking for most shipping options suitable for oversized packages:
- Track packages by entering the tracking number at the USPS Tracking page
- Monitor current location, estimated delivery date and time
- Particularly helpful for oversized items, allowing both sender and recipient to anticipate arrival
Filing a Claim: Your Steps for Lost or Damaged Oversized Items
If your oversized package is lost or damaged:
- Gather supporting documentation:
- Proof of mailing (receipt)
- Tracking number
- Evidence of value (sales receipt or invoice)
- For damage: photographs of the damaged item and packaging
- File a claim through the USPS Claims page, often available online
- Note that certain services include insurance coverage:
- Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include some insurance
- Additional insurance can be purchased for higher-value items
Understanding your insurance coverage is important if you need to file a claim.
Your Burning Questions Answered: Common Concerns About Oversized USPS Shipping
What is considered an oversized package for USPS? An oversized package generally has a combined length and girth over 108 inches (or over 130 inches for USPS Ground Advantage), or exceeds the maximum weight of 70 pounds.
Is there a weight limit for delivery? The maximum weight limit is 70 pounds. While some local post offices might have internal guidelines for their carriers, the official limit remains 70 pounds.
What happens if my package is slightly over the weight or size limit? Packages exceeding 70 pounds or 130 inches in combined length and girth are considered nonmailable and may be subject to a $200 oversize/overweight fee if discovered in the postal network.
Can I ship a very large but light package? Yes, but be aware of balloon pricing for USPS Ground Advantage. If a package is greater than 84 inches but not more than 108 inches in combined length and girth, weighs less than 20 pounds, and is sent via USPS Ground Advantage – Limited Overland Routes, you might be charged the 20-pound postage price. Dimensional weight also applies to packages larger than 1 cubic foot.
Where can I find boxes for oversized items? While USPS offers free Priority Mail boxes (typically adhering to the 108-inch limit), you may need to purchase sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes from office supply stores, packaging retailers, or online marketplaces for larger items.
How do I measure my package for length and girth? Length is the longest dimension. Girth is the measurement around the thickest part, perpendicular to the length. For a rectangular box, girth can be calculated as (2 × width) + (2 × height).
Shipping Oversized Items with USPS
Shipping oversized items with USPS doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding size and weight regulations, familiarizing yourself with services like USPS Retail Ground and USPS Ground Advantage, and following best packaging practices, you can navigate the process confidently.
Always measure and weigh your packages accurately, use the USPS Postage Calculator for cost estimates, and be aware of any restrictions on items you intend to ship. With this guide and resources from the USPS website, you’re well-equipped to successfully send your large and bulky items to their destinations.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
