UPS Shipping Limits: Quick Guide for Every Shipper
If you’ve ever tried to send a box with UPS and got a surprise "exceeds size limit" notice, you’re not alone. Understanding what UPS will and won’t take can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Below you’ll find the most common limits, how to measure your parcel correctly, and a few tricks to keep your shipment moving smoothly.
Weight and Size Limits
UPS has clear cut‑offs for both weight and dimensions. For most domestic services, the maximum weight per package is 70 lb (31.8 kg). Anything heavier needs to be shipped as freight, which follows a different pricing structure.
Size limits are a bit trickier because they combine length, width, height and a girth calculation. The basic rule is that the combined length and girth (2×width + 2×height) can’t exceed 165 inches (419 cm). If you’re using UPS Ground, the total may go up to 130 inches for certain zones, but the 165‑inch rule is the safe bet for most services.
Here’s a quick way to check:
- Measure the longest side – that’s your length.
- Add the two shorter sides together, double that sum – that’s the girth.
- Add length and girth. If the total is under 165 in, you’re good.
Packages that exceed these limits can still travel with UPS, but you’ll have to use UPS Freight, which often means higher costs and a different pickup process.
Special Restrictions and How to Check
Beyond weight and size, UPS blocks certain items for safety or legal reasons. Hazardous materials, lithium batteries above a certain capacity, and perishable foods need special handling or aren’t allowed at all in standard parcel services.
To avoid a nasty surprise at the drop‑off point, use UPS’s online shipping calculator or call their customer service. Input your package dimensions, weight, and the item type, and the system will flag any issues before you even print the label.
A few practical tips:
- Round up your measurements – UPS measures in whole inches.
- Weigh the package after it’s packed, not just the box.
- If you’re close to the limit, consider using a slightly larger box to keep the girth down.
- For bulky but light items, look into UPS Ground’s “large package” option, which relaxes the weight cap to 150 lb but still follows the 165‑inch rule.
Remember that international shipments have their own rules. Some countries impose stricter weight caps (often 44 lb) and size limits, plus customs paperwork for restricted goods. Always double‑check the destination country’s guidelines on the UPS website.
By measuring accurately, staying under the 70‑lb and 165‑inch thresholds, and confirming prohibited items ahead of time, you’ll keep your UPS shipments hassle‑free. Need a fast check? Grab a tape measure, a kitchen scale, and run through the steps above before you head to the drop‑off. Your next package will be on its way without a hitch.
July 25, 2025
Evelyn Wescott
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Curious about how big a package UPS will really take? Learn the UPS size and weight limits, plus tips for shipping large parcels through UPS, with real rules and facts.
