What Is Hundredweight (CWT) Pricing?
UPS Hundredweight, also known as CWT (an abbreviation of the Latin “centum” for hundred + “weight”), is a multi-package discount program for shipments containing multiple packages going to the same destination on the same day.
Instead of pricing each package individually, CWT combines them into a single shipment and charges based on the total combined weight at a per-100-lbs rate. This produces significantly lower per-package costs.
How CWT Pricing Works
Standard Pricing (Per Package)
Each package is priced individually based on its own weight and zone:
- Package 1: 25 lbs, Zone 5 = $20.60
- Package 2: 30 lbs, Zone 5 = $23.50
- Package 3: 15 lbs, Zone 5 = $17.40
- Total: $61.50
CWT Pricing (Combined Shipment)
The three packages are combined into one shipment:
- Total weight: 70 lbs
- CWT rate (Zone 5): ~$35.00 per 100 lbs
- Charge: 70 × ($35.00 / 100) = $24.50
Savings: $37.00 (60%) — same packages, same destination, dramatically lower cost.
Eligibility Requirements
Not every shipment qualifies for CWT:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum packages | 2+ packages |
| Same-day pickup | All packages must ship on the same day |
| Same destination | All packages going to the same address |
| Minimum combined weight | Typically 100+ lbs (some contracts go lower) |
| Maximum per-package weight | 150 lbs (standard UPS limit) |
| Services eligible | Ground, 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air |
CWT Rate Tables
CWT uses its own separate rate table with per-100-lbs pricing rather than per-package pricing:
Sample CWT Rates (UPS Ground, 2026)
| Weight Range (per 100 lbs) | Zone 2 | Zone 4 | Zone 6 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100–199 lbs | $22.00 | $28.00 | $35.00 | $42.00 |
| 200–499 lbs | $18.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 |
| 500–999 lbs | $15.00 | $20.00 | $26.00 | $32.00 |
| 1,000+ lbs | $12.00 | $16.00 | $22.00 | $28.00 |
Rates are per 100 lbs. Approximate published rates for illustration.
Heavier combined shipments get lower per-100-lb rates, creating additional savings at scale.
Who Benefits from CWT?
Industries Where CWT Shines
- B2B wholesale: Multi-case orders to retail stores
- Manufacturing: Parts shipments with multiple boxes
- Promotional fulfillment: Event materials, trade show supplies
- Furniture: Multi-box furniture sets
- Beverage: Cases of product to commercial accounts
When CWT Doesn’t Help
- Single-package shipments: Must have 2+ packages to qualify
- Different destinations: Each address is a separate CWT shipment
- Lightweight shipments: If combined weight is under the minimum, individual pricing may be used
CWT vs. LTL Freight
For multi-package shipments, CWT often competes with LTL freight. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | UPS CWT | LTL Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | Standard UPS daily pickup | Scheduled freight pickup |
| Transit time | 1–5 days (Ground) | 2–7 days |
| Tracking | Full UPS per-package tracking | Bill of lading tracking |
| Delivery | No appointment needed | May require appointment |
| Packaging | Standard parcel boxes | Palletized/shrink-wrapped |
| Minimum weight | ~100 lbs | ~150–200 lbs |
CWT wins on convenience — packages are handled individually by UPS and don’t require palletizing. LTL wins on cost for very large shipments (500+ lbs) and doesn’t have per-package weight limits.
How to Set Up CWT
Automatic vs. Manual
- Automatic: Many UPS accounts with CWT-eligible agreements will automatically apply CWT pricing when multiple packages are shipped to the same address on the same day
- Manual: Some accounts require you to specifically request CWT pricing through your shipping software or UPS account settings
In Your Carrier Agreement
CWT pricing should be specifically addressed in your carrier agreement. Key negotiation points:
- CWT rate tables (per-zone, per-weight-band)
- Minimum weight threshold (lower is better — 100 lbs vs. 200 lbs)
- Eligible services (Ground + express)
- Whether CWT combines with earned discount programs
The Bottom Line
CWT is one of the most powerful cost-saving tools available to shippers who regularly send multiple packages to the same destination. Savings of 40–70% compared to individual package pricing are common. If you’re shipping B2B or regularly sending multi-piece orders, make sure CWT is part of your carrier agreement and that your shipping system is applying it correctly.
Want to see if CWT could reduce your costs? Upload one invoice to ShipMint’s Instant Analysis for a multi-package analysis — free.