How to Calculate Shipping Costs with the FedEx Shipping Calculator

Everything You Need to Know About FedEx Shipping Calculator

When a brand has a rock-solid global reputation and a name that everyone recognizes, it is natural for people to be attracted to its services. And this applies to FedEx, one of the most widely known transportation and eCommerce logistics companies.

But despite having a stronghold on the market, there are some things a new seller partnering with FedEx will surely want to know before shipping with it. 

For instance, how well will the services offered fulfill their purposes, how does FedEx compare to other brands in this industry, and most importantly, how to effectively calculate and compare FedEx shipping costs.

In this article, all these questions will be answered, since we are going to describe the FedEx shipping calculator and how it helps sellers calculate shipping costs beforehand.

Overview of FedEx

One of the biggest logistics companies in the world, FedEx, was established in 1971 in the U.S.A with the name Federal Express. It is the leading logistics brand in the country and provides services for transportation and eCommerce shipping through its different operating units, which include FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Logistics.

FedEx delivers to customers in more than 220 nations and territories with high efficiency in packaging and timely deliveries.

The company has been providing high-value services for over 50 years, with its vast air and ground freight network worldwide. 

Whether it is a material-sensitive or time-sensitive shipment, FedEx delivers it with a money-back guarantee.

They have over 600,000 team members with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, and they also regularly rank among the most trusted employers. 

With its high technological capabilities, FedEx is able to deliver and collect more than 14 million shipments every day.

Why Ship with FedEx?

FedEx is ranked high for the safest, fastest, and most reliable shipping services in the eCommerce logistics industry.

It offers delivery within 1 to 3 days through smart ClearSM Electronic Customs Clearance that resolves the regulation process of the customs before reaching the shipment at the destination. 

Not only is it extremely easy to ship with the company, but FedEx shipping costs are very reasonable and fit the budgets of most small and medium-sized enterprises.

Here are some factors which highlight the expertise of FedEx in the logistics industry:

1) Operates Through Different Dedicated Units

To ensure efficiency, FedEx works through 4 different units of operation according to shipping type.

FedEx Express 

FedEx Express is the world’s biggest transportation hub operated by the FedEx corporation. It is characterized by huge air route fleets and large infrastructure for transportation, combined with high-end technology.

As the industry’s global leader, FedEx Express ensures to deliver shipments on time and with safety, and it achieves this by connecting markets that cover 99% of the world’s gross domestic products.

FedEx Ground

As its name suggests, FedEx Ground achieves delivery through ground transportation. It is a low-cost shipping service that delivers to any business and commercial institution on specific days.

Its home delivery service delivers to most residential addresses in the U.S on any day of the week.

FedEx Ground mainly focuses on the delivery of fewer weighted packages from businesses to customers. You can calculate the shipping charges for this service by using FedEx Ground shipping calculator.

FedEx Freight

Any shipment weighing above 150 lbs is considered to be freight and is handled by FedEx Freight, the leading freight services provider in North America.

It operates through FedEx Freight Priority for the products where time is critical, and FedEx Freight Economy for the products where customers can save cost by accepting slightly delayed delivery time. 

There is also FedEx Freight Direct which offers delivery for bulky and heavy products to the door of residences and businesses. You can calculate the shipping charges for this service by using FedEx Freight shipping calculator.

FedEx Logistics

FedEx Logistics offers delivery chain control solutions, unique transportation, customs brokerage, and worldwide ocean and air freight forwarding at quite reasonable shipping costs. It also provides document print and package shipping services to different businesses.

2) More Reliable and Fast

An unmatchable network of transportation and delivery, including more than 660 planes and 14000 ground vehicles, gives FedEx corporation the power to always deliver shipments on time.

Moreover, using their own aircrafts and vehicles ensures that critical documents, freights, and packages are delivered with the highest levels of security every time.

To offer customers peace of mind, the company also lets them track shipment status anytime from anywhere online at Fedex.com.

3) Easy and Affordable

Customers can choose between different types of packaging options according to their goods. FedEx manages all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials of packages. 

When shipping with the company, you don’t have to worry about the pick-up and associated charges as it provides these convenient services for free. You can see this when you calculate shipping charges through the online FedEx shipping calculator.

There are also a variety of payment methods available on their website, and you can easily choose for early delivery times by paying a little extra.

4) ISO Certified

FedEx is the only transportation company that has received worldwide ISO 9001 certification for its system by achieving the highest standards of Quality Management and Assurance. This makes the company stand above all its competitors. 

How is the FedEx Shipping Cost Calculated?

To know about the cost of your shipment, you need to provide some information regarding your package on the online FedEx shipping calculator.

If you have this information, you can compute an almost accurate cost for your shipping. 

There are four things that you need to consider before checking your shipping cost with FedEx shipping calculator:

1) Precise Point of Origin and Destination

The key factor for getting an accurate cost of shipment is determining how far it will travel from the point of origin. The price will rise as the destination goes far.

FedEx bases its shipping rates on shipping zones broken up by zip codes, which can be found on its website. So, you need to be sure about the destination of your shipment before calculating the cost.

2) Weight and Dimension of Package

Before computing the numbers, weigh the package on a logistics weighing scale, as it is obvious that the heavier the package gets the more price you have to pay.

However, you should know that in addition to the basic cost by weight, there is also a dimensional weight used by FedEx to determine the total cost of shipment. 

Dimensional weight is the density of the package or the space that it will acquire depending on its real weight.

Normally, heavy and big sized packages go for a high price. So, use only those boxes which are perfect according to your goods and do not weigh more themselves. 

3) Delivery Time Chosen

How fast your shipment will reach its destination is also an option you can select on the FedEx website.

If you want the package to be delivered the next day, then the cost will rise up, and if you choose the standard delivery (between 1 and 3 days) then it will cost less. So, be specific with your delivery time to get the actual total cost.

In addition to these factors, you should also keep in mind any surcharges or additional fees that may be included.

What Tools are used to calculate FedEx Shipping Costs?

An online shipping calculator is the easiest way to calculate the cost of your shipment. With this tool, you can get estimated pricing for your package before placing your shipping order.

The FedEx shipping calculator asks for the basic information mentioned above such as weight, dimensions, and delivery origins to give an estimate of your payment.

You can also add insurance for your product by giving the item’s actual value which will be added to the cost.

There are different calculating tools available on FedEx’s website that you can use to get the shipping charges according to your shipment types:

* Use the Rating tool to calculate your cost for domestic packages, international packages, and express (air) freight.

* Use the FedEx Great Rates Hotline for savings on last-minute international and U.S. package and express (air) freight shipments.

* Use FedEx Freight (Less Than Truckload - LTL) Volume Services Calculator to get a quote on high volume shipments.

* Use LTL (Less Than Truckload) Select to compare less-than-truckload quotations from multiple carriers.

* Use the MyQuote tool for concessioned rates on last-minute international express shipments that weigh over 250 lbs.

What are the most commonly applied FedEx Shipping Rates?

There are different predetermined rates that are available on the FedEx website. Collectively, they are referred to as “FedEx One Rate'' and contain information about specific flat rates for boxes, envelopes, packs, and tubes that the company provides while shipping. This also includes rates according to different locations. 

Here are the packaging options you’ll find on FedEx website along with their prices:

1) FedEx Envelope4

It has a default dimension of 9-1/2" x 12-1/2", and if you wish to opt for a reusable envelope, its dimensions would be 9-1/2" x 15-1/2". 

Examples of items that you can ship using this option are a standard clipboard or a file. The pricing for this starts as low as $8.90.

2) FedEx Pak

This option offers default dimensions of 10-1/4" x 12-3/4" and 12" x 15-1/2", and if you wish to opt for a padded pack, its dimensions will be 11-3/4" x 14-3/4". A reusable sturdy pak will measure 10" x 14‑1/2" (expands up to 1-1/2"). 

Examples of items that you can ship using this option are an adult t-shirt or a coffee mug. The pricing for this starts as low as $9.20.

3) FedEx Small Box

It has default dimensions of 10-7/8" x 1-1/2" x 12-3/8" and 8-3/4" x 2-5/8" x 11-1/4". 

Examples of items that you can ship using this option are a hardback book or five magazines. The pricing for this starts as low as $9.95.

4) FedEx Medium Box

It has default dimensions of 11-1/2" x 2-3/8" x 13-1/4" and 8-3/4" x 4-3/8" x 11-1/4". 

Examples of items that you can ship using this option are a binder or perhaps two adult t-shirts. The pricing for it starts as low as $12.95.

5) FedEx Large Box

It offers default dimensions of 12-3/8" x 3" x 17-1/2" and 8-3/4" x 7-3/4" x 11-1/4". 

Examples of items that you can ship with this option are board games or things like soccer balls. The pricing for it starts as low as $32.35.

6) FedEx Extra Large Box

You can find this packaging option with default dimensions of 11-7/8" x 10-3/4" x 11" and 15-3/4" x 14-1/8" x 6". 

Examples of items that you can ship with this option are a toaster or maybe things like two pairs of shoes. The pricing of it starts as low as $32.35.

7) FedEx Tube

It has a default dimension of 6" x 6" x 38". 

Examples of items that you can ship using this option are a poster or a golf club. The pricing of it starts as low as $32.35

How to Compare Your Shipping Options by Cost?

When you have decided on all the information of your shipment from packaging to the delivery date, just enter it in the FedEx shipping calculator.

Depending on the details provided, you will get results of either FedEx Retail Rate or FedEx One Rate options.

While comparing rates on the FedEx Retail Rate chart, you can choose from Overnight Shipping to Standard Shipping.

These options are offered based on the needs of urgency. You can click on the orange bar to get full information about surcharges and fees included in these options.

There is also a FedEx shipping rates chart on the website with the name FedEx One Rate.

You'll see this section when you're shipping a FedEx envelope that weighs approximately 10 lbs or a FedEx box that weighs approximately 50 lbs.

It is an expected, flat-rate shipping option that can be more affordable than the retail rates.

How to Compare Your Shipping Options by Speed? 

Whether you are paying extra money for early delivery or looking for a cheaper delivery option by trading time, you should always find the right balance according to your needs and budget.

When shipping with FedEx, there are many options that fit best no matter what product you are shipping. Some of the popular ones among them are:

* Ground - Low-cost option that arrives quickly.

* Overnight - If you need your shipment the next day.

* International - When you need to ship to another country via air or ocean.

* Freight - For shipping something that weighs more than 150 lbs. 

* Same-Day - If you need door-to-door delivery within a few hours.

* Flat-Rate - When you need predictable pricing on express shipments under 50 lbs.

There are also many other shipping options in the following categories.

* Shipping express freight in the U.S

* Shipping packages and envelopes from the U.S. to another country

* Shipping LTL freight in North America

* Shipping express freight in the U.S.

* Shipping express freight from the U.S. to another country

You can choose from these categories as per your shipment types and delivery time and explore the FedEx shipping rates chart to explore more service options.

How to Save on FedEx shipping?

These are the ways with which you can save more on your FedEx shipping orders, whether you are an individual or sending shipments for your business.

1) Open a free account on the website

It is one of the easiest and free ways to get a discount on your orders. You will get the following discounts if you consistently place orders from that same account:

* 30% on FedEx Express U.S., domestic, international, and returns services

* 15% on FedEx Ground shipping and FedEx Home Delivery services, including returns services

* 70% on FedEx Freight less-than-truckload services

2) Always look for shipping coupons and offers

There are always offers available according to different conditions, such as placing some minimum orders or placing a specific type of order. You can get a bit of the cost off the next time if you complete those requirements.

Sometimes there are also coupon codes available as a promotional offer or during festival time. So, always check out the website at regular intervals to get the benefits.

3) Choose a cost-effective shipping option according to your needs

FedEx has a variety of options for different package types and budgets. One can choose which suits his shipment best. Some examples are:

* Use FedEx Ground for low-cost and short-distance shipping.

* For shipments to Canada, you should consider shipping via FedEx International Ground. 

* Take benefits of delivery flexibility and consider FedEx International Economy for  low cost on import and export shipping.

Final Words

Calculating shipping rates is always a priority when eCommerce businesses have to deliver products. Vendors always want the best for their customers so that they can build a loyal customer base and grow fast.

It seems that FedEx has nailed the formula to bag and retain a large customer base because the company is the global leader when it comes to delivering high-value services.

It keeps improving its technology to enhance shipping services because it cares about its customers and serves them by helping with its different tools.

FAQs

1) Why does the price say “estimated”?

If any of the factors such as the weight of the item, its dimensions or delivery type change in the future, it could also change the shipping cost. That’s why the calculators give the estimated price.

2) Why was the price of the final shipment more than the originally quoted rate?

There are many factors (like the ones mentioned above) due to which the cost of shipment changes. You also have to keep in mind that the FedEx shipping calculator gives an estimated price.

3) Which FedEx service is the cheapest? And how much does it cost with FedEx? 

All the FedEx services cost differently according to different factors. Use a free online shipping rates calculator to estimate your shipping cost, compare options, and find the cheapest service.

4) Why do shipping rates change? 

Changes in fuel costs, delivery and pickup conditions, special handling requirements, holiday package volumes, and special circumstances that affect network capacity (like COVID-19) can cause prices to fluctuate. Keep in mind, the prices generated by calculators are just estimates.

5) How can I save on shipping for my business or myself? 

You should open a free account with FedEx to get discounts. For your business, always confirm that all your members or employees have opened a free account on the FedEx website to get the best discounts and offers.