Parcels FAQs

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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:

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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 the rates.surcharges array. The fee is included in the amount listed in the rates.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 to FCMI
      rates.parcelType Domestic shipments: set to NMLETTER
      International shipments: set to NMLTR

      The surcharge is included in the rates.totalCarrierCharge amount in the response.