SHIPPING CARRIERS ANNOUNCE NEW DIMENSIONAL WEIGHT POLICIES AND RATE INCREASES FOR SMALL PACKAGES

CARLSBAD, Calif., December 18, 2006—NAMM Members who ship oversized packages (5,184 cubic inches or greater) need to be prepared for possible fluctuations in their shipping charges when carriers implement new dimensional rates in 2007 for domestic/U.S. ground shipments. While charges for shipping lighter weight guitars and drums will likely increase, the shipping costs for other products may decrease. Before you ship, check the new rates and consider how packaging items together or separately may affect your costs.

Effective in the first quarter of 2007, UPS, FedEx Ground and DHL will begin calculating ground shipping charges for larger-sized packages based on dimensional weight rather than on oversize package definitions.  In addition, all three carriers have announced that effective January 1, 2007 small package ground shipping rates will increase by an average of 4.9%.

Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length x width x height to determine the cubic size of the package, and then dividing this number by 194.  The final figure is the dimensional weight of the package, and customers will pay the higher weight between the actual and calculated dimensional weight.  If a package measures 5,184 cubic inches or greater, the dimensional weight rate will apply.  The chart below contains some examples to help demonstrate how the new dimensional rates will fluctuate, based on the package dimensions, weight, and zone.



Please click here for complete details on FedEx’s new dimensional weight system for oversized ground shipments, as well as additional 2007 FedEx Ground and Home Delivery rate and service announcements.

Please click here for complete details on DHL’s new dimensional weight system for oversized ground shipments, as well as additional 2007 DHL rate and service announcements.

Please click here for complete details on UPS’ new dimensional weight system for oversized ground shipments, as well as additional 2007 DHL rate and service announcements.

About PartnerShip
PartnerShip LLC is an endorsed business service provider for NAMM, and manages the NAMM Discount Shipping Program, which features discounts with FedEx, UPS Freight and Yellow Transportation.  For more information on this free NAMM Member benefit, please visit http://www.partnership.com/18namm/rates.asp, contact us at 800-599-2902, or email sales@partnership.com. 

1-800-MEMBERS
1-800-MEMBERS is an endorsed business service provider for NAMM and administers the DHL Partner Savings Program, which features discounts on DHL Air, Ground and International shipping services.  For more information on the DHL benefit program, please visit www.1800members.com/namm or contact us at 1-800-MEMBERS (8am-7pm EST, M-F).