Cheapest Way to Ship a 100 lb Package

At 100 pounds, you've crossed well beyond USPS limits (70 lbs) and into territory where UPS and FedEx parcel services become expensive due to surcharges. Understanding your options is critical for cost management.

Why 100 lbs is Expensive with Parcel Carriers:

• UPS/FedEx base rate for 100 lbs: ~$95-115
• Over 50 lb surcharge: $31.45
• Potential additional handling (if oversized): $15-17
• Residential surcharge: $4.50-6.50
• Total effective rate: $130-180+

This is where freight carriers become attractive alternatives. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight handles shipments from 100-10,000 lbs at rates often lower than parcel services for heavy items.

LTL Freight at 100 lbs:

• Typical rates: $80-150 depending on class and distance
• Transit time: 3-7 business days
• Service levels: Standard, expedited, guaranteed
• Delivery options: Commercial dock, residential with liftgate

For a single 100 lb package going a moderate distance, LTL freight often saves $30-80 compared to UPS/FedEx parcel shipping.

LTL freight pricing depends significantly on "freight class" - a standardized classification system based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. Understanding your freight class helps you estimate costs and optimize packaging.

Common Freight Classes for 100 lb Shipments:

• Class 50 (highest density, lowest rate): Clean freight, fits on standard pallets, over 50 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Steel, cement, machinery.
• Class 70: 15-22.5 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Food items, car parts, wooden furniture.
• Class 85: 12-15 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Crated machinery, cast iron stoves.
• Class 100: 9-12 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Boat covers, car covers, canvas.
• Class 125 (moderate density): 7-9 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Small household appliances.
• Class 150: 6-7 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Auto sheet metal, bookcases.
• Class 175-500 (low density, highest rate): Under 6 lbs/cubic foot. Examples: Clothing, couches, TVs.

Rate Impact Example at 100 lbs:

• Class 50 (dense): ~$70-90
• Class 100 (moderate): ~$90-120
• Class 175 (light): ~$130-180

Dense, easily handled 100 lb shipments ship at similar or lower cost to UPS/FedEx parcel with surcharges. Bulky, low-density items cost more via freight.

Both parcel carriers and freight have their place for 100 lb shipments. The right choice depends on destination type, time sensitivity, and handling requirements.

Use UPS/FedEx Parcel When:

• Speed is critical (1-3 day delivery needed)
• Delivering to residential addresses without dock
• Package dimensions fit standard parcel limits
• Tracking and delivery notifications are important
• You have strong contract discounts (40-50% off)

Use LTL Freight When:

• Cost is the primary concern
• 3-7 day transit is acceptable
• Shipping to commercial addresses with dock access
• Shipment is palletized or easily handled by freight
• You're shipping multiple heavy items together

Hybrid Approach:

Many shippers use both: parcel for time-sensitive residential and freight for cost-conscious commercial. Multi-carrier platforms can automatically select the best option based on destination type and delivery requirements.

Residential Freight Delivery:

If you need freight delivered to a residence, add liftgate service (~$40-75 extra). Without a loading dock, the driver uses a hydraulic lift to lower the freight to ground level. Factor this into your freight vs parcel comparison.