What is the surcharge when a balloon surcharge applies?

The correct answer to the surcharge when a balloon surcharge applies is the 20 lb rate. A balloon surcharge is applied for packages that have a lightweight compared to their dimensional weight. This means that the package is larger than typical for its weight, which can result in increased shipping costs due to the space that it occupies in transport.

The balloon surcharge typically starts at a threshold that correlates with weight, and the 20 lb rate is commonly recognized as the point where the balloon surcharge applies for many shipping services. This implies that if the package exceeds certain dimensions but weighs less than the designated weight, the rate used for billing will be based on the 20 lb weight classification rather than its actual weight.

This practice helps ensure that the pricing appropriately reflects the space consumed by larger, lightweight packages, which may otherwise be charged based solely on their actual weight, potentially leading to less accurate service charges.