What Affects Your Shipping Rate
Several factors set the price of a parcel. Knowing them helps you read any quote and spot where savings are possible.
| Factor | How it works | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Billable weight | FedEx charges on the dimensional weight or the actual weight of a package, whichever is greater | Pack in a box that fits the item |
| Package size | FedEx multiplies length, width and height in inches, rounds each to the nearest whole inch and divides by 139 | Measure after packing, since padding adds size |
| Destination and speed | Where a parcel is going and how quickly it must arrive both change the price | Match the service speed to the order |
| Extra charges | FedEx publishes surcharges and fees such as Additional Handling, Delivery Area Surcharge, Residential Delivery Charge and Address Correction | Check addresses and ask what your quote includes |
| Volume | Unival's FedEx pricing is built around long-term shipping volume | Share your expected volume when you request a quote |
For example, a 5 lb parcel packed in a 20 by 16 by 12 inch box has a dimensional weight of about 27.6 lb (3,840 cubic inches divided by 139). Because that figure is greater than the actual weight, it is the one used to price the parcel. Our guide explains dimensional weight in more detail.
FedEx publishes its surcharge and fee changes each year, and its published changes for 2027 take effect on January 4, 2027, with many amounts changing from 2026. Because extra charges can change, ask what any quote includes.
Ways to Lower Your Shipping Costs
A good rate is only part of the picture. These habits reduce the cost of every parcel:
- Right-size your boxes. Measure after packing, since padding adds size, and avoid boxes much larger than the item.
- Consider lighter packaging. Padded or poly mailers can suit items that do not need a rigid box.
- Check addresses before you ship. Address Correction is one of the fees FedEx lists.
- Consolidate shipments where it makes sense for your orders.
- Match the speed to the order. Not every parcel needs the fastest service.
- Ask for a quote based on your volume and compare it with your current cost per parcel.
Where Unival Fits In
Unival offers preferential FedEx pricing built around long-term shipping volume. Request a quote and you will see the rate for your own parcels before you ship.
- Rates are quoted through our quote form.
- You can track a shipment online.
- Sellers can read about our API and Shopify integration.
- Our ecommerce shipping solutions are built for businesses managing online orders.
Shipping valuable goods that need full-value insurance? See our insured high-value shipping.
FedEx is a registered trademark of its owner. It is named here to identify the carrier whose pricing is described, and this page does not imply endorsement by FedEx.
