Unfortunately, this points out the necessity of shopping around for product price vs shipping price. This is a PIA, I know, as I've adopted this procedure for the last couple of years. It takes time to do this type of comparison shopping but it can prove out in the end. Once you find the companies which offer flat rate shipping or have the better shipping prices, you can curb the time needed to do those comparisons.
The trick can be those companies which offer less expensive shipping often increase the prices on their products to cover that lower rate. Don't be fooled. Run the comparison before hitting that 'Purchase' button! Remember, most in-state companies can't compete with out-of-state companies because of the combination of shipping PLUS tax. They winning method is to make a stock up trip to visit those companies, especially if it involves powder and primers. Do not be fooled by offers of 'Free Shipping' either. Far too many companies relegate those deliveries to a combination of UPS/FEDX/USPS which can add 7-10 days to what should a normal delivery schedule. I have tracked packages which have sat in a postal terminal for 3 days without moving because they had time on the delivery agreement.
Bear in mind that UPS has announced their newest price increases for the rest of this year:
October 25, 2017
Rate Change Information
Effective December 24, 2017, the published rates for our services will increase. This supports ongoing expansion and capability enhancements as we strive to maintain the high service levels you expect from UPS. Below is an overview of our 2018 Rates.*
Package
The following changes will be effective December 24, 2017:
- The rates for UPS® Ground, UPS Air and International services will increase an average net 4.9%.
- The Large Package Surcharge will apply to any U.S. Domestic package with a length exceeding 96 inches or a length plus girth greater than 130 inches.
- The dimensional weight divisor for packages less than or equal to one cubic foot in size (1,728 cubic inches) will be 139 for all U.S. Domestic services subject to Daily Rates or Alaska and Hawaii Rates.
The following changes will be effective July 8, 2018:
- The Large Package Surcharge for any U.S. Domestic package delivered to a residential address will be $90.
- The Additional Handling surcharge for any U.S. Domestic package exceeding 70 pounds in actual weight will be $19.00.
Air Freight
Effective December 24, 2017 the rates for UPS Air Freight within and between the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico will increase an average net 4.9%.
UPS® Freight
The rates for UPS Freight non-contractual less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments rated on the current UPS Freight Tariff 580 will increase an average net 4.9% effective December 24, 2017 and will be available at
ltl.upsfreight.com. This increase applies only to Tariff 580 UPS Freight density-based rates.
*The impact of these changes on your shipping costs will vary according to your shipping characteristics and the terms of your UPS agreement.
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Good Luck!
