Benefits of Specialty Shipping Services: UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Multiweight

In the competitive landscape of shipping services, there is a lesser-known category of shipments between LTL and small parcels. For shippers sending multiple packages to a single destination on a single day, using services that cater to this mid-weight range can be a cost-effective and efficient strategy. The two primary shipping services that cover this are UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Multiweight. Understanding the nuances and differences between these services is crucial for shippers to take advantage of these specialty services.

UPS Hundredweight

Also called CWT, which stands for centum weight, the UPS Hundredweight service calculates the weight of each package and combines them into a single shipment, offering cost savings associated with shipping larger quantities. CWT has specific requirements, including minimum weight thresholds, single recipient destinations, and the necessity of a UPS account with scheduled pickup.

UPS Hundredweight offers benefits such as cost efficiency, time management, streamlined processing, and reliable tracking.

FedEx Multiweight?

FedEx Multiweight allows businesses to combine multiple packages into a single shipment for cost-effective shipping solutions. This service also has specific requirements, a fixed pricing structure, and benefits akin to UPS Hundredweight.

FedEx Multiweight is a shipping calculation that can be added to your FedEx shipping account if you use their services. It uses automated logic to compare the total cost of sending multiple shipments versus treating all the packages as a single shipment. You will automatically receive the lower-cost shipping service, whether standard or Multiweight. 

Comparing Hundredweight Shipping Services

The nuances in service levels, pricing, and availability differ between FedEx and UPS, necessitating a comprehensive comparison for businesses to determine the best fit for their shipping needs.

Both services have minimum weight thresholds and single-recipient destination requirements. The specifics may vary depending on your shipping details, requiring careful review to ensure compliance with each provider's criteria.

Weight Requirements

• UPS – The ground and 3Day services must be at least 200 lbs. Next Day Air and 2Day air shipments have a 100 lb. minimum. These minimums can be negotiated per contract. Get an updated rate chart with weight restrictions here.

• FedEx - FedEx Ground and 3Day services must be at least 200 lbs. Next Day Air and 2Day air shipments have a 100 lb. minimum. Minimum weight of 15 lbs. per package, maximum weight of 150 lbs. per package. These minimums can be negotiated per contract. See all weight requirements here.

Contract Requirements

• UPS - Businesses must set this service up with their carrier representative and have a scheduled pickup set up.

• FedEx - Add the logic to your account, and it will automate the service if you qualify.

Destination Requirements

• UPS - Shipment must be designated for a single recipient on the same day within 50 states and Puerto Rico. 

• FedEx – Shipments are limited to a single recipient on the same day; international shipping is included but has different package dimension requirements than domestic.

Overall Benefits of Shipping Hundredweight

If you meet the service requirements, these specialty offerings can come with big advantages. Here are the top benefits of using this mid-range shipping service.

1. Cost savings: It is naturally more cost-effective to ship fewer shipments. UPS and FedEx systems, once activated, have pricing logic that will be applied to your account. The logic will provide you lower shipping rate (standard vs. specialty service) based on its automated calculations. FedEx also promotes that many surcharges are capped, with the Multweight service offering significantly lower fees than an LTL shipment with accessorial fees.

"UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Multiweight are specialized shipping services tailored to businesses shipping multiple packages to a single destination"

2. Time management: If you are packaging up LTL shipments that could qualify for hundredweight, you’ll free up time by switching. Both hundredweight services don’t require palletization or extra packaging.

3. Streamlined processing: Combining multiple shipments will lower processing time and fees.

4. Reliable tracking: With fewer overall shipments, shippers will have fewer tracking numbers and more consistent delivery accuracy.

Bottom Line

When considering a new shipping service, factors such as service availability, delivery speed, service reliability and customer support should be considered closely. UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Multiweight offer businesses significant benefits, but only if their shipping volume, frequency, and destinations align with each service requirement.

UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Multiweight are specialized shipping services tailored to businesses shipping multiple packages to a single destination. While both services offer similar benefits and functionalities, nuanced differences in requirements, pricing structures, and service levels may influence businesses' decisions. By conducting a thorough comparison and considering factors such as requirements, benefits, pricing, and considerations, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their shipping operations and achieve cost-effective and efficient outcomes.

About DCL Logistics

DCL Logistics is a modern 3PL grounded in 40 years of operational expertise. Providing comprehensive, flexible fulfillment solutions for companies of all sizes, we scale with our customer's growth. With best-in-class fulfillment software, dedicated and personalized account management, and a national network of fully-owned fulfillment centers, brands come to us to grow their business. 

DCL Logistics specializes in omnichannel e-commerce fulfillment—from DTC to B2B and retail to online marketplace distribution—we've done the work to make logistics seamless for our customers.