FedEx bases its transportation charges on three things:
1. Type of Service. (Priority Overnight, e.g.).
2. Distance. The farther you send the package, the more it costs.
3. Weight/Size. The heavier/larger the package, the more it costs.
Weight can be determined in two ways:
1. Actual weight.
Put your box on a scale and type in the weight.
2. Dimensional weight.
This might seem tricky, but it is simple.
FedEx multiplies the package length x width x height, then divides by 139. That number is your package’s dimensional weight. (UPS uses the exact same calculation)
Example: Length 12" x Width 12" x Height 9" / 139 = 9.32 lbs.
FedEx looks at the actual weight of the package and dimensional weight then uses the heavier of the two, rounded up to the nearest whole number. In this example, the package will be billed as 10 pounds.
If you could ship that same animal/item in a 12" x 9" x 6" box, dimensional weight is only 5 lbs. A 5 lb box will be MUCH less expensive to ship than an 10 lbs box. Always use the smallest box you can safely and responsibly use.
Note: FedEx measures each package with lasers. If they determine your package is bigger than indicated, they will charge us an adjustment fee and we will pass that charge on to you. Measure twice to avoid these fees.