In light of FedEx One Rate and USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail, UPS has introduced UPS Simple Rate. UPS Simple Rate is the new UPS flat rate service offering, much like a UPS flat rate box. Now shippers can use their boxes up to 1,728 cubic inches at one low cost. At the same time, the maximum actual weight per UPS Simple Rate package is 50 pounds.
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Advantages of UPS Simple Rate
On the positive side, no special packaging is required! Shippers can use boxes or poly mailers up to one cubic foot in size (1,728 cubic inches). In contrast, the maximum volume for FedEx flat rate is 1,452 cubic inches and does not include a ground delivery option. Also, FedEx One Rate is divided into zones, and UPS has a national flat rate. Other services require the shipper to use unique branded supplies, but not UPS.
Also, this UPS flat rate box has the added benefit of avoiding some surcharges. These shipments will not have the following surcharges: residential surcharge, delivery area surcharge, delivery area surcharge extended, and fuel surcharge.
- Maximum Volume of up to 1,728 cubic inches
- Five, three, two or one-day delivery options
- $100 automatic declared value
- On-time or it’s free guarantee
- National flat rate shipping (no zone division)
- You don’t need an account or contract
- No special packaging to ship
- Branded boxes are available through UPS.
What services are offered with UPS Simple Rate?
UPS users may choose from three service options:
- Next Day Air Saver
- 2nd Day Air
- 3 Day Select
- Ground
However, 3-day select and next-day air saver is unavailable for shipments originating in or destined to Alaska and Hawaii. Nor is it possible to use returns services, hundredweight, hazardous materials shipments, third-party billing, or COD shipments. Additionally, international deliveries are not currently supported by this service.
What size boxes can I use?
The maximum size limit for this UPS flat-rate box is 1,728 cubic inches and 50 pounds. The largest cubed box is 12 x 12 x 12 (length x width x height). Another key point is that express packaging can be used with a simple rate for Second Day Air shipments.
UPS Simple Rate Dimensions
The cost of the package will be determined by the service and cubic inches of the box. First, determine the package size and determine the simple rate size. The dimensions are as follows:
| Cubic Inches | UPS Simple Rate Size | Common Box Dimensions |
| 1-100 | Extra Small | 4x4x4 inch, 6x4x4 inch, 8x6x2 inch |
| 101-250 | Small | 6x6x6 inch, 8x6x5 inch, 12x9x2 inch |
| 251-650 | Medium | 8x8x8 inch, 12x9x6 inch, 13x11x2 inch |
| 651-1,050 | Large | 10x10x10 inch, 12x12x7 inch, 15x11x6 inch |
| 1,051-1,728 | Extra Large | 12x12x12 inch, 16x12x9 inch, 18x12x6 inch |
Once you know the size of your box or poly mailer, you will choose the service and receive the corresponding cost.
What does UPS Simple Rate cost?
| Next Day Air Saver | 2nd Day Air | 3 Day Select | Ground | |
| Extra Small | $27.35 | $18.60 | $16.10 | $9.45 |
| Small | $34.85 | $22.15 | $19.50 | $12.40 |
| Medium | $39.05 | $28.35 | $27.70 | $14.95 |
| Large | $58.60 | $50.55 | $37.10 | $19.60 |
| Extra Large | $75.75 | $65.50 | $46.60 | $24.30 |
Do Guaranteed Service Refunds(GSR) apply to UPS Simple Rate?
Yes, it does. There are no exceptions or exclusions on this new service offering in the UPS terms and service guide. If your package arrives late, by all means, you are entitled to a guaranteed service refund!
Other Important Details
All standard pickup and drop-off options are available with this new service. Shippers can use a daily pickup or drop it off at any UPS location. Namely, this includes drop boxes, UPS Customer Counters, UPS Store® locations, and Authorized Shipping Outlets.
If you are concerned about revenue tier structures on your UPS agreement, do not be. These shipments count towards your revenue volume. However, since this is a new offering, few carrier agreements address the flat-rate option.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, UPS Simple Rate pricing is genuinely that; it is simple. You have a set cost as long as you determine your package size and service. Now, shippers can more quickly and accurately forecast package delivery costs. This will be a massive benefit for many shippers and may also convert some FedEx shippers.
