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EngagementPackage size affects both material costs and carrier charges.

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Shipping and packaging supplies

We help source packaging by comparing its purchase price with its effect on dimensional weight and shipping charges.

Free contract reviewTalk it through first
Billed weightThe number the carton actually sets
Every parcelA carton change applies to all of them
No approvalNeeded from any carrier
MeasuredFrom your own shipment file
In shortA brief explanation of the service and what it covers.

How does packaging affect shipping costs?

The short answer

Packaging affects shipping cost because carriers bill the greater of actual and dimensional weight, and dimensional weight is calculated from carton size. Empty space in a carton raises billed weight on every parcel that ships in it, and an oversized carton can also trigger additional handling and large package fees. A better carton mix usually saves more than a lower unit price.

Packaging supply sourcing, evaluated against dimensional weight exposure rather than unit cost alone.

The problemThe terms and billing details we review before estimating savings.

A cheaper carton can cost more to ship.

The purchase price of a carton is only part of its cost. Its dimensions can also change what the carrier charges to ship it.

Carriers compare actual weight with dimensional weight, which is calculated from package size. A larger carton can increase billed weight or trigger additional handling and large package fees.

We identify packaging changes that could reduce those charges while meeting your product requirements, then compare material and shipping costs together.

Why usWe work for shippers and receive no compensation from carriers.

What makes this different.

01

Dimensional weight reviewed first

We identify shipments where billed weight exceeds actual weight and review which carton sizes contribute to the difference.

02

Packaging selected for total cost

We compare carton sizes and materials for their effect on carrier charges as well as purchase price.

03

Surcharge thresholds checked

We check packaging dimensions against additional handling and large package thresholds to identify changes that could avoid those fees.

Why this orderWe review your agreement and shipment data before recommending changes.

How this actually runs.

  1. Measure the dimensional exposure

    We use your shipment data to identify where package dimensions increase billed weight.

    Week 1

  2. Design the carton mix

    We recommend carton sizes that fit your orders while accounting for dimensional weight and surcharge thresholds.

    Week 2

  3. Compare packaging suppliers

    We source the proposed cartons and materials based on combined packaging and shipping costs.

    Weeks 3–4
Common questionsContact us if your question is not listed. We can help you assess whether the service fits your needs.

Questions shippers ask first.

How does dimensional weight affect our shipping cost?
Carriers generally compare actual weight with dimensional weight calculated from package size. An oversized carton can increase the billed weight. We assess smaller packaging against both shipping costs and product requirements.
How many carton sizes should we actually carry?
The right range depends on your orders. Too few sizes can increase dimensional weight; too many can slow packing and complicate stock management. We use order data to compare the options.
Is right-sizing packaging worth more than negotiating rates?
Both may help. We compare the savings from packaging changes with potential rate improvements using your shipment history. Packaging changes also need to meet product protection and operational requirements.
Do you make money on the supplies you source?
Our compensation is tied to documented savings rather than packaging purchase volume.
Before you callFree guides and tools on published carrier data, covering the terms this service works on.

Guides and tools.

01

Dimensional weight explained

The formula, the 139 and 166 divisors, rounding, and when packaging beats the divisor.

Guide02

Box size calculator

Compare the carton you ship in today with the smallest carton that fits your product, and see the change in dimensional weight, handling charges, list rate and annual shipping cost at your volume, after the cost of the box.

Tool03

Pallet calculator

Enter carton dimensions and weight, the pallet, a maximum loaded height and weight, and the order quantity: the calculator returns cartons per layer (TI), layers (HI), cartons per pallet, pallets required, the loaded dimensions and weight, and the density class, with the layer drawn to scale.

Tool
Next doorThese related services may also be useful for your business.

Related work.

01

Shipping analytics

ebb Logic™ brings UPS, FedEx, DHL and LTL data into one shipping analytics portal. Track spend, surcharges, cost per package, dimensional weight, freight class and transit. We use that data to recommend changes and notify your team when costs or performance need attention.

For teams making network, packaging or carrier decisions02

Contract negotiation

We review twelve months of your shipping invoices and compare your contract terms with those available to similar shippers. This parcel rate benchmarking helps us identify changes worth requesting. We then negotiate directly with your carrier.

For shippers reviewing or renewing carrier agreements03

Claims filing

Loss and damage claims prepared, filed, and tracked to resolution, including the documentation requirements that get most claims denied.

For shippers writing off loss and damage as a cost of doing business

Request a free contract review.

Send your agreement for a written review of potential savings and recommended next steps.

Get a free savings estimateSee a sample audit firstEmail [email protected]

Or call 888-356-4421

Free, and no obligation. A written evaluation back inside 48 hours. No fee unless we find documented savings. How we handle your documents

  • Your current agreement, any carrier
  • One recent invoice, if you have one
  • A written evaluation back inside 48 hours