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USPS Noncompliance Fee

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ShippingEasy Content Team

Updated

When shipping commercial parcels via USPS accurate package dimensions (length, width, and height) are now required. Packages with missing or inaccurate dimensions may be charged a $3 dimension noncompliance fee.

To help you avoid this fee ShippingEasy will now require dimensions during label creation to ship commercial parcels via USPS.

What is the Dimension Noncompliance Fee?

The USPS Dimension Noncompliance Fee is a $3 per package fee that USPS may charge if a commercial parcel is shipped either without dimensions, or with inaccurate dimensions. This fee is set and applied by USPS, not by ShippingEasy.

When does the Dimension Noncompliance Fee Apply?

  • July 12, 2026: USPS began requiring dimensions for all parcels shipped via Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select, regardless of size.

  • Beginning 2027: USPS plans to begin automated checks and charge the fee on smaller parcels with missing or inaccurate dimensions.

What happens if dimensions are not included in shipment configuration?

If a required dimension is blank, ShippingEasy will prevent you from creating and printing the label.

If you attempt to create a label without dimensions you will see one of the following error messages:

  • Single Label Error: Dimensions are required in order to use the service specified.

  • Batch Printing Error: Dimensions are required.

    Note: If you are printing labels in a batch, shipments with missing dimensions will be separated so the rest of the batch can print.

To resolve the error, enter the dimensions on any flagged shipment, then try to create the label.

When Are Dimensions Required by USPS

If you are shipping items in your own custom packaging you must enter dimensions prior to label creation. To avoid a fee for inaccurate dimensions ShippingEasy recommends measuring the outside dimensions of the filled package, including padding and any bulging.

USPS Custom Package Types:

  • Package

  • Thick Envelope (Height is automatically filled at 0.75in, the USPS max for this service)

  • Large Package

  • Non-Rectangular Package

  • Non-Standard Package

  • Letter

When shipping flat rate packages that are a fixed size ShippingEasy will automatically fill in dimensions for you, you will not be able to edit flat rate package dimensions. If you are using a flat rate envelope, only the length and width will automatically be applied by ShippingEasy.

USPS Flat Rate Package Types:

  • Flat Rate Envelope

  • Flat Rate Legal Envelope

  • Flat Rate Padded Envelope

  • Small Flat Rate Box

  • Medium Flat Rate Box

  • Large Flat Rate Box

  • Postcard

How to Avoid the Dimension Noncompliance Fee

  • Enter accurate length, width, and height for every USPS package that needs them. Measure the longest side (length), then the next longest (width), then the height, in inches. Round each measurement up to the next whole inch. For example, 7.2 in becomes 8 in.

  • Use fixed-size USPS packaging where you can; dimensions are accurate by default.

  • Re-measure as you make packaging changes. Keep any presets updated with the current package measurements.

  • When creating labels using API be sure to send length, width, and height with each USPS requests. Requests that omit dimensions for a service that requires them will return an error once that service is enforced.

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