How to Reduce Shipping Costs on Pipe & Drape: Understanding New Overlength Charges

If you’ve recently noticed higher shipping costs on 8′ fixed uprights, you’re not alone.

Over the past year, both FedEx Ground and UPS Ground have significantly increased their overlength surcharges on packages exceeding 8 feet. Unfortunately, this affects one of the most common products in the pipe and drape industry—the traditional 8′ fixed-height upright.

While these carrier changes are completely outside our control, we want to help our customers understand their options and avoid unexpected shipping costs whenever possible.

Why Are Shipping Costs Increasing?

Parcel carriers continue to adjust pricing to maximize trailer space and reduce handling of oversized packages. Today, shipping a box over 8 feet can result in overlength surcharges of approximately $120–$150 per box, depending on the carrier, destination, and current rates.

For customers ordering just a few uprights, these fees can come as an unwelcome surprise.

The good news? There are several alternatives that can dramatically reduce, or even eliminate these charges.

Option 1: Choose Telescoping Uprights

For most customers, telescoping uprights are now the most economical solution.

Because they collapse to less than 8 feet, they ship in standard-length cartons without the excessive overlength surcharge.

Our most popular sizes include:

• 6’–10′ Telescoping Upright 
• 7’–12′ Telescoping Upright 

For taller applications, we also offer several three-piece telescoping uprights, providing the same shipping advantages while giving you greater height flexibility.

For many rental companies, venues, and production teams, telescoping uprights have become the preferred option because they provide multiple height settings while helping reduce freight costs.

Option 2: Consider a 7′ Fixed Upright

If you simply need an economical fixed-height upright, our 7′ Fixed Upright is another excellent option.

Since it ships below the carrier’s overlength threshold, it avoids the significant parcel surcharge while still meeting the needs of many applications.

Option 3: Break-Apart 8′ Uprights

Need an 8′ upright but want to avoid oversized shipping?

Our Break-Apart 8′ Upright provides the same finished height while shipping in shorter sections, making it another cost-effective alternative.

Ordering Traditional 8′ Fixed Uprights?

If you’re committed to the traditional 1.5″ 8′ fixed upright, we’re happy to supply it.

We simply want customers to understand that parcel shipping may include substantial overlength charges.

For larger orders, LTL freight shipping may actually become the more economical option compared to parcel service.

Our team can help determine which shipping method provides the best overall value based on your order size and destination.

Let Our Team Help

Freight costs across the industry have risen dramatically in recent years, with many customers seeing shipping expenses increase by 30% or more.

While we can’t control carrier pricing, we can help you choose products and shipping methods that make the most sense for your project and budget.

Our sales team works with these challenges every day and can recommend the most cost-effective solution—whether that’s switching upright styles, consolidating shipments, or choosing freight instead of parcel.

If you have questions about shipping your next order, give us a call. We’re here to help.