Yes, all of the major shippers (UPS, DHL, FedEx, etc.) have these. At DHL we called it a "dimensioner", and it used lasers to measure the exterior dimensions of the box as it went through the sortation system. I can't speak for UPS or FedEx (heck...or even DHL anymore ) but for oversize boxes, it likely would not pass through the dimensioner since it would have to be handled manually. At DHL, if the customer had an account with us and transmitted their package data electronically, then the customer would send the dimensions of their packages and be charged accordingly. However, the system also measured the physical boxes as they passed through and if we found that the customer was understating either the weight or dimensions, then we would add extra charges to the monthly statement we sent them.

That said, you just need to understand what the carrier of your choice uses for sizing and make sure that your box meets those standards WITHOUT bulging which would exceed it. The dimensions play importantly on oversize packages when it comes to loading the "cans" used to hold the material on the planes, and when figuring out load sizes on the trucks.

Probably more info than you needed, but the more you know...the more you can forget. Again, make sure you know your carrier's requirements, make sure your box meets them, make sure it doesn't bulge and exceed them, and USE PLENTY OF PACKING MATERIALS...tape, reinforcement, etc.

Charles