UPS Follows FedEx by Rounding Up Package Dimensions

UPS is following FedEx’s announcement by announcing a key change that will impact how package dimensions are calculated, and potentially how much you pay.

Effective August 18, 2025, UPS will begin rounding up all fractional measurements of a package’s dimensions to the next whole inch. This change applies to all three dimensions: length, width, and height.

What’s Changing:

Currently, UPS may accept more precise measurements (e.g., 11.1 inches), but starting August 18:

• A package that measures 11.1 inches in length will be rounded up and charged as 12 inches.
• Similarly, dimensions such as 9.5 inches or 6.2 inches will be rounded up to 10 inches and 7 inches, respectively.

What This Means for Shippers:

This seemingly small change could have real cost implications, especially for lightweight, dimensionally large packages. Rounding up even fractions of an inch increases the dimensional (DIM) weight, which can push packages into a higher billable weight bracket.

What Shippers Should Do Now:

• Audit Package Sizes: Re-measure your most commonly shipped items and round each dimension up to the next whole inch. Recalculate DIM weight accordingly to evaluate cost impacts.
• Update Packaging Designs: Consider resizing packaging or switching to custom-fit packaging to minimize wasted space that now may cost more under the new rounding rule.
• Revisit Pricing Models: If you charge your customers shipping fees, update your pricing models to account for potential increases. Transparency now prevents margin erosion later.
• Run Cost Simulations: Use shipping calculators or analytics tools to estimate how much more this change could cost your business per shipment and across your total volume.
• Optimize Carrier Mix: Evaluate whether regional carriers, USPS, or consolidators offer more favorable DIM policies for certain package profiles.
• Engage Your 3PL or Logistics Partner: Make sure your fulfillment partner is aware of the change. They may need to adjust box selections, fulfillment practices, and system settings to avoid unnecessary overcharges.
• Partner with a Logistics Consultant: A trusted partner like ebb Logistics can help you:
  • Conduct a DIM impact analysis
  • Benchmark carrier pricing
  • Renegotiate contract terms to reduce dimensional weight impact
  • Integrate alternate carriers where appropriate

Source: UPS Shipping Costs and Rates

Bottom Line:

UPS’s new dimensional rounding rule is another signal that carriers are tightening cost structures, and shifting more responsibility to shippers. Being proactive now can help you stay competitive, maintain margins, and control shipping spend.

If you need help analyzing your shipping profile or optimizing your packaging and carrier mix, ebb Logistics is ready to help you adjust with confidence.

Contact Us Today!