Parcels FAQs¶
On this page
See also:
- What is USPS cubic pricing? in Rates FAQs
- How are rates calculated for USPS soft packs? in Rates FAQs
- What is USPS Oversize Pricing? in Rates FAQs
- Labels FAQs
Are dimensions required on all parcel types?¶
Dimensions are required for the following:
- PB Expedited (USPS®): USPS encourages shippers to provide dimensions for all packages.
Dimensions are required for shipments that use the
SOFTPACK
parcel type or use the Parcel Select—Ground service. - PB Standard
- PB Presort
- PMOD
Assign dimensions in the Parcel Object.
Important: Entering incorrect dimensions might result in an undeliverable package or an additional postage fee.
How are dimensions ordered?¶
Length is the longest dimension.
Height is the second-longest dimension.
Width is the shortest dimension.
If you assign values differently, the APIs will reassign them accordingly. Assign dimensions in the Parcel Object.
How is girth calculated?¶
Girth is twice the sum of the height and width:
girth = 2 * (height+width)
Note: The PB Shipping APIs configure length as the longest dimension, followed by height, followed by width.
What are the allowed dimensions for USPS parcel types?¶
To retrieve the dimensions for the parcel types for each USPS Service, use the Carrier Rules API.
See also the following USPS pages:
- The USPS Postal Explorer’s Size and Shape page
- The “Learn More” links at USPS Mail & Shipping Services
Important: For the PKG
parcel type, the dimensions of the parcel may
affect its cost. Measure the length, height, and width accurately to avoid
receiving an adjustment for underpayment based on USPS Automated Package
Verification.
Can I ship irregular parcels and non-machinable letters through USPS?¶
To ship irregular parcels and nonmachinable letters through PB Expedited, do the following:
Contact the Client Services team and request to be enabled to ship irregular parcels and non-machinable letters through USPS. Contact the Client Services team at ClientServicesTechSupport@pb.com or +1 844 470-6626.
Once you have been enabled, do the following to ship irregular parcels and non-machinable letters:
For Irregular Parcels: Set the following fields to the following values:
rates.serviceId
Set this to FCM
rates.parcelType
Set this to IRRPKG
parcel.dimension
Set this to the correct dimensions. Dimensions are required for irregular parcels. In the API response, the fee appears as an
irregular
surcharge in therates.surcharges
array. The fee is included in the amount listed in therates.totalCarrierCharge
field.The word “SURCHARGE” appears in the indicia section of the shipping label.
For Nonmachinable Letters: Set the following fields to the following values:
rates.serviceId
Domestic shipments: set to FCM
International shipments: set toFCMI
rates.parcelType
Domestic shipments: set to NMLETTER
International shipments: set toNMLTR
The surcharge is included in the
rates.totalCarrierCharge
amount in the response.