Any package sent by a courier, regardless if it is domestic or international, will have restrictions on the maximum combined length and girth of each package you send. This is often referred to as the ‘Max Girth’. How do you measure the girth of a package?
How do you measure the girth of a package? 4 Pro Tips!
Ever shipped a package that seemed “normal” but ended up costing a small fortune? The culprit might be something you’ve never heard of: girth of a package. Don’t worry, it’s not some mythical shipping beast! It’s just the “thickness” of your package, and it can have a surprising impact on your shipping costs.
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Imagine a conveyor belt packed with boxes. Bulky, oddly shaped packages can jam things up, slow everything down, and even damage other shipments. So, shipping companies set limits on both length and girth (think package “thickness”) to keep things flowing smoothly.
What is the girth of a parcel?
Girth by definition is the measure around anything; circumference. So it is the distance around an object and is used in shipping to determine how much a package will cost to ship. For shipping quoting it is the linear conversion in inches or centimeters of a parcels dimension. Each package has three dimensions: length, width and height – we use these metrics to generate the girth.
Understanding the girth of a package can help you:
- Save money: Choose the right shipping service based on girth limits and avoid hidden charges.
- Pack like a pro: Use the right box size and fill it strategically to stay within limits (and save space!).
- Keep your customers happy: Ensure their packages arrive safely and on time, without girth-related delays or damage.
Measuring the girth of a package:
No need for fancy formulas! Here’s the super simple 3-step method to measure your girth:
- Find the longest side: That’s your length.
- Measure the width and height: Add these two numbers together.
- Calculate the girth: Multiply the sum from step 2 by 2. Boom, that’s your girth!
Example: Your product box is 15″ x 10″ x 12″.
Length: 15″ (longest side)
Width + Height: 10″ + 12″ = 22″
Girth: 22″ x 2 = 44″
Here is another example.
Product box measures 18” x 10” x 12”.
Step 1. Length = 18”. This is the longest side of the package, rounding to the nearest inch. In this example it is 18’.
Step 2. Girth = 44”. Take the width and height and multiply them each by 2
-
- 10” x 2 = 20’
- 12” x 2 = 24”
- 44” is the girth
Step 3. Package measurement. Add the length and the girth together for your package measurement.
-
- For our example, you would add 18” + 44” = 62”
Things to consider:
- If a parcel’s girth is less than 130 inches (330cm) there are no charges. When the girth measurement is more than 130 inches (330cm) your parcel will incur additional “special handling” charges.
- Most courier companies will not accept parcels with a girth over 165 inches (419cm)
What is the maximum allowable girth? See the chart below for maximum measurements and weights allowed for Purolator, UPS and FedEx.
| MAXIMUM MEASUREMENTS & WEIGHTS ALLOWED | |||
| Service | Purolator | UPS | FedEx |
| Max Length & Size Int’l | 108in 165 Girth | 108in 165 Girth | 108in 130 Girth |
| Max Length & Size Air | 96in 144 Girth | 108in 165 Girth | 108in 130 Girth |
| Max Length & Size Ground | 108in 165 Girth | 108in 165 Girth | 108in 130 Girth |
| Max Weight Int’l | 150lbs | 150lbs | 150lbs |
| Max Weight Air | 150lbs | 150lbs | 150lbs |
| Max Weight Ground | 150lbs | 150lbs | 150lbs |
4 Pro Tips:
- Bendable tape is your friend: Use a flexible measuring tape for accurate measurements, especially with curved packages.
- Round it up (or down): Round measurements to the nearest inch for consistency with shipping guidelines.
- Know your limits: Check the girth limits for your chosen service and destination to avoid surprises.
- Packing peanuts to the rescue: Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or other void fill to create a uniform shape and reduce girth.
Remember that by understanding and mastering how to measure your package girth, you get to enjoy a world of shipping savings and efficiency. You can make informed decisions, streamline your operations, and ultimately delight your customers with fast, affordable, and damage-free deliveries. So, go forth and conquer the shipping world, one perfectly measured package at a time!
If you need any assistance with the girth of a package or a shipping quote, please reach out to our team at 1-866-320-8383 or email us at sales@flagshipcompany.com