UPS Shipping Rates Calculator
UPS shipping rates combine actual weight, volumetric (dimensional) weight, destination zone, and service level. Ground and air services quote per-pound averages that rise by zone tier while fuel surcharges, residential delivery charges, and declared value coverage stack on top. Use this calculator to estimate the total charge before tendering your package so you can choose the right service level and packaging strategy.
How UPS Shipping Rates Work
UPS calculates the billable weight as the higher of the actual weight and the dimensional weight, which is the package volume divided by a divisor (166 for inch-based measurements). The destination zone (2–8) is determined by postal code distance from the origin, and each service level multiplies the billable weight by a per-pound rate. A 18 lb gadget sized 12×10×8 inches to Zone 5 on UPS 2nd Day Air will bill slightly above the actual weight because the dimensions push the dimensional weight to about 5.8 lb, with a per-pound rate for Zone 5 air flight.
Fuel surcharges (roughly 25–27% as of summer 2024) and residential delivery fees ($6.50) are automatic additions. Declared value insurance below $100 is included; above that, UPS charges roughly $1.25 per $100 of additional value (capped per invoice) which protects high-value electronics or art. Use the calculator logic to see how each component shifts the total before you finalize a shipment.
Example: Shipping a 25 lb box (18×14×12 inches) to Zone 6 via UPS Next Day Air Saver often results in a billed weight near 29 lb. Multiply that by the Next Day Air Saver base rate for Zone 6, add the fuel surcharge, plus any residential or declared value fees, and the final quote will feel closer to $140–$160 than just the base line rate.