[Peter Serio]

Both UPS and Fedex have recently changed how they calculate what they charge to ship a box. Basically they have turned it into a little math problem. The end result is a huge increase in the cost of shipping. You don't realize this until you go to do the math on a specific box or package. Now they crank up the prices more by the "dimensional weight" than the actual weight of the box. This allows them to really sock it to you on larger sized boxes which are not actually weighty in lbs. Plus on a really heavy box they got you there as well; simply with the weight.

The cost to ship can and does vary widely depending on who you are and the size & or weight of the box. Volume shippers (businesses) with an established account can and do receive a discount. It varies depending on the shipper, your specific business and how many boxes you send per week.

A individual person can always go to the shipper's website and create their own label on-line for a single box or 2. If you are just one person sending one box, it is not likely that you are going to get much of a discount. NOTE: The Post Office does give a discount with labels that you print and pay for on-line.

They also have those pack-n-ship brick and mortar stores. Those are very convenient especially if you are in a hurry but as mentioned above all of those storefronts charge a premium for that service.

Some of them are still independently owned but more often what you see are franchised stores or stores owned directly by the shipping company. The company owned stores are a huge cash cow they also offer packing and other services such as a xerox machine &/or shipping supplies. Even if you bring something in all boxed up and ready to go the price you will pay is more than the cost of the actual shipping. Those type of stores have their own special software so it not like you can clearly see what the mark-up is there.


The bottom line is it is going to cost more to restore an old car now simply due to the increase in shipping. And one can no longer compare a shipping price on one just one box. It all depends on the person or company sending the box.