All Collections
Shipping & Postage Questions
Inner Dimensions vs. Outer Dimensions: What's the Difference?
Inner Dimensions vs. Outer Dimensions: What's the Difference?

Why entering your package's inner dimensions may lead to carrier adjustments from USPS® and UPS®

Updated over a week ago

Sometimes when you order packaging from box manufacturers, the dimensions listed on the outside don't reflect the dimensions you need to enter in Pirate Ship in order to purchase accurate postage 🙈 In some cases, the dimensions listed on a package reflect its inner dimensions, and not the outer dimensions.

In order to purchase accurate postage on Pirate Ship, you need to enter your box's outer dimensions, and not the inner dimensions. Before you ship, we always suggest double-checking your package to ensure the dimensions listed on it are accurate.

The Difference Between Inner and Outer Dimensions

Inner dimensions refer to the dimensions on the inside of your box, while outer dimensions refer to the dimensions on the outside. For some boxes, the difference between inner and outer dimensions can be up to half-an-inch for each measurement, which can cause the price of your postage to change 😅

Always use outer dimensions when entering your package info in Pirate Ship

Whenever you make labels on Pirate Ship, be sure to always enter your package's outer dimensions. USPS and UPS both have automated systems to verify that your package details align with what you entered when you made your label, and outer dimensions are one of the items they verify (along with weight, and the type of packaging you use).

Inputting the inner dimensions could lead to carrier adjustments

If you mistakenly enter your package's inner dimensions instead of its outer dimensions, you could face carrier adjustments in the form of APV charges from USPS and surcharges from UPS. When you enter your package's inner dimensions instead of its outer dimensions, USPS and UPS may deem your label inaccurate for your packaging, and they will charge your Pirate Ship account for the difference in the postage.

Additional Resources

Any questions? Click the blue chat button to get in touch with our Support Crew - we're here to lend a hook whenevARRrrr you need help 😃

Did this answer your question?