Best way to figure out shipping?

[dan42]

How can I reasonably accurately, reasonably fast, calculate shipping for people on stuff I have for sale? Is there a web site you can go to for one of the shippers?

[Palf70Step]

I weigh it (if I can it's already in a box), then measure it. Then I go to USPS/FEDEX/UPS web site for their rates. It has been pretty accurate for me.

www.usps.com

www.ups.com

www.fedex.com/us

[dan42]

Thanks -

[70BLAZERX2]

UPS is never right for me on the web quote,it is always 15% or higher when it does go. You have to watch the "rural surcharges" they love to stick you with. Thats 5 to 10 bucks right there.

Plus the minumim is around 14$ for a small package..If you can get it in a usps flat box,thats the best deal.

[BlackTopMotors]

I agree with palf70step; get a scale or if you don't have one weigh yourself first, then holding the boxed item ...go to those sites mentioned to help you with measurement and shipping info...days to ship...

depending on the size of the item you can also get flat rate boxes etc...

If it's still a bit sketchy pack it and bring it to the post office ahead of time so you are prepared.

Roger

[msgross]

I have my own fedex account, I measure, weigh it and print out the label. Then I drop it off at the dock at work and it charges my debit card. Only a few times has the priced changed from the original quote.

[mbgmike]

shipping is always a pain and their is no real accurate way. shipping eats us up. We ship a lot. best way is from experience. We have accounts with just about every major shipping company.They will hit you for appointment fees,remote area fees,zip code fees that are hard to deliver to, diesel fees, all kind of fees. Plus they are not shipping certain parts anymore ground that used to go ground. We lose more money on shipping than anything. You will need a good scale. I mean a good one or they will send you a bill for the difference. It really depends on the part. Small parts use the Post office flat rate boxes plus they still deliver on Saturdays for free. We tend to prefer fedex but we also use UPS. We ship worldwide and even have to cut parts in half to ship to comply with a countries laws and regulations. Every customers wants accurate shipping quotes so be careful. Its not easy.
good scale and accurate measurements on the boxes. Drop them off at a location and let them weigh them to check and see what they come up with.
The calculators are still the best way but they are always not correct. Truck fright is another issue We even had Xerox company trucks haul some stuff for us at times when they were empty. get an account with USPS,FEDEX, and UPS for a start. Good luck.