
Dimensional weight scanner solutions are a game-changer for efficient shipping. They help you accurately calculate the weight of your packages, which is crucial for cost-effective shipping.
A dimensional weight scanner can calculate the volume and weight of a package in just a few seconds. This is made possible by advanced algorithms and high-precision sensors.
By using a dimensional weight scanner, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your packages are properly rated for shipping. This can save you money and reduce shipping times.
Most dimensional weight scanners can be integrated with your existing shipping software, making it easy to implement and use.
If this caught your attention, see: Dimensional Weight vs Actual Weight
Benefits of Dimensional Weight Scanners
Using a dimensional weight scanner can have a significant impact on your business. It offers more accurate shipping cost calculations, which can help you avoid overpaying for shipping.
By accurately measuring the dimensions of packages, you can reduce packaging waste and minimize the amount of empty space in shipping containers. This can help you save money and resources in the long run.
A dimensional weight scanner can also increase productivity and improve operational efficiency. By automating the process of measuring package dimensions, you can free up more time for other tasks and focus on growing your business.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a dimensional weight scanner:
- More accurate shipping cost calculations
- Reduced packaging waste
- Increased productivity
- Improved operational efficiency
These benefits can help you save time and money, and improve the overall efficiency of your business. With a dimensional weight scanner, you can focus on what matters most - growing your business and providing great service to your customers.
For another approach, see: Last Mile Delivery Business Model
Understanding DWS Systems
DWS systems are designed to simplify your shipping process with just a few clicks, accurately dimensioning, scanning, and weighing parcels.
With vMeasure's DWS systems, you can calculate shipping costs based on a package's size rather than just its actual weight. This is because dimensional weight is a pricing method used by commercial freight companies and postal services.
Dimensional weight calculates shipping costs according to the cubic size of a package, focusing on package density rather than just the actual weight. This ensures that carriers don't carry losses by shipping lightweight packages that take up more space.
Suggestion: Dimensional Weight Scale
Understanding Weight
Dimensional weight is a pricing method used by commercial freight companies and postal services to determine shipping rates based on a package's size rather than just its actual weight.
The calculated dimensional weight is a crucial factor used by freight couriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS to determine shipping rates.
vMeasure Dimensioning Weighing Scanning -DWS Systems can help you integrate a scanner into your logistics operation.
This ensures that carriers don't carry losses by shipping lightweight packages that take up more space.
The cubic size of a package is a key factor in calculating shipping costs.
Related reading: Sea Freight to Canada
Calculation Method
Calculating dimensional weight is a crucial step in determining shipping costs. It's calculated using the package's length, width, and height, divided by a specific DIM factor.
The DIM factor varies depending on the carrier and whether the shipment is domestic or international. For example, vMeasure's DWS systems can handle dimensional weight calculations for various carriers, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
To calculate dimensional weight, you'll need to know the package's dimensions in inches or centimeters. The minimum dimensions for the vMeasure Parcel Ultima are 2 x 2 x 2 inches or 5 x 5 x 5 cm, while the maximum dimensions are 53.1 x 41.3 x 33.5 inches or 135 x 105 x 85 cm.
Here's a brief overview of the calculation method:
Keep in mind that these DIM factors are subject to change, so it's essential to check with the carrier for the most up-to-date information.
Types of Dimensional Weight Scanners
There are various types of dimensional weight scanners available, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
The vMeasure dimensioning weighing scanning system, for example, is a versatile solution that can measure objects of various sizes, from small envelopes to mid-sized refrigerators. It comes in different configurations, including a 1.1 or 1.5 meter mount height for smaller objects and a separate hardware setup at 2.2 meters for larger items.
Parcel Ultima Pro and Parcel Ultima Plus are two types of dimensioning systems that use laser or infrared sensors to measure package dimensions. Some dimensioners, like the Parcel Ultima Forge, use cameras to capture images of the package for more accurate measurements.
Cubiscan package dimensioners are commonly used by shipping companies and warehouses to accurately measure packages for shipping or storage purposes. They can help reduce shipping costs, improve efficiency, and minimize errors caused by manual measurement.
Here are some common types of dimensional weight scanners:
The RVSS (Rotating Volume Scanning System) is another type of dimensional weight scanner that offers fast, accurate measurements for pallets and large freight. It uses Class 1 infrared laser-sensing technology and can be installed with existing pallet wrapping hardware or as a standalone system.
Intriguing read: 3pl Transportation Management System
Specs and Features:
A dimensional weight scanner is a crucial tool for any shipping business, and understanding its specs and features is essential for making the right choice.
Accuracy is key, and this scanner can measure dimensions within just 5 seconds.
The scanner is designed to handle regular and irregular shapes, making it a versatile option for various shipping needs.
One of the standout features of this scanner is its extreme accuracy, with measurements accurate to within +/- 0.5".
The scanner's measuring division is a precise 0.1", and it can measure dimensions from a minimum of 8" x 8" x 4" to a maximum of 120" x 120" x 120".
It also comes with tare functionality, imperial or metric measurements, and can be used with or without a scale system.
The scanner is designed for easy integration with existing warehouse management and shipping systems, making it a seamless addition to any operation.
Here are some key specs to consider:
The scanner is also designed for low maintenance, and multiple options are available to suit different business needs.
Implementation and Integration
Implementation and integration is a breeze with the right tools. The vMeasure Parcel dimensional scanner integrates with your existing systems without requiring IT support due to its simplicity.
You can integrate it with a WMS, ERP, Multi-carrier shipping software, and carrier software using APIs. The device also supports other hardware integrations such as USB-enabled weighing scales, barcode scanners, and label printers.
Setup is quick and easy too - the device will be ready for the first scan within the same day of installation, taking under an hour to install. This means you can start reaping the benefits of accurate dimensional weight calculations quickly.
Increased Productivity
Implementing a dimensional weight scanner can significantly boost productivity by automating package measurement and weighing, freeing up employees to focus on other critical tasks.
This automation saves time and labor, allowing businesses to handle more shipments faster.
Streamlining the measurement process enables businesses to improve turnaround times and customer satisfaction.
A smoother shipping operation is a direct result of increased efficiency, which leads to cost savings.
By automating package measurement and weighing, employees can focus on higher-value tasks, leading to a more efficient logistics process.
Setup Time

Setting up the vMeasure dimensional weight scanner is a breeze. It will be ready for the first scan within the same day of installation.
The installation process itself takes under an hour, making it a quick and efficient process.
Can Parcel Integrate with Existing Systems?
Integrating your parcel system with existing systems is a breeze. The vMeasure Parcel dimensional scanner can integrate with a WMS, ERP, Multi-carrier shipping software, and carrier software using APIs.
Its simplicity means you don't need to rely on your IT team for support. The device also supports other hardware integrations such as USB-enabled weighing scales, barcode scanners, and label printers.
You can check out the specific integrations supported by the device on the company's website.
Integration with Transvirtual
Integration with Transvirtual helps businesses measure package sizes more accurately, allowing them to earn more per package by precisely calculating shipping costs based on both weight and size.
Many customers have reported cost savings and more efficient use of space within delivery vehicles by leveraging Transvirtual's technology.
Automated conveyor dimensioning systems provide quick and accurate measurements of dimensional weight, detecting irregularities like bulging flaps that might affect the chargeable weight.
These technologies can significantly optimize shipping costs through dimensional weight calculations, making them a valuable tool for shippers.
Schedule a Demo
Scheduling a demo for the vMeasure dimensional weight scanner is a great way to experience its dimensioning capabilities firsthand. You can view how it measures parcels, polybags, and irregularly shaped SKUs in under 1 second.
The scanner is perfect for shippers and carriers with a throughput of 200 to 7,000 parcels per day. This makes it a great fit for many businesses.
Customizable workflows in vMeasure can help reduce shipping costs, revenue recovery, space utilization, and package optimization. This is a huge advantage for any business looking to streamline its operations.
The cloud-based API in vMeasure allows for one-click integration with major WMS/OMS/TMS/ERP and multi-carrier shipping software. This makes it easy to get up and running quickly.
To manage SKU dims, weighs, and photographs, you can use the dimension weight scanner's inbuilt data management platform. This is a convenient way to keep all your data in one place.
Common Issues and Solutions
One of the most common issues with dimensional weight scanners is inaccurate measurements, which can lead to incorrect freight costs. This can be avoided by regularly calibrating the scanner.
Inaccurate measurements can also be caused by incorrect packaging, such as using boxes that are not the correct size or shape. This can be prevented by using standardized packaging materials.
Another issue is scanner malfunction, which can be caused by dust or debris accumulation. Regular cleaning of the scanner can prevent this issue.
Inconsistent Accuracy
Irregular shapes can make it difficult to get consistent measurements using manual tools, leading to inconsistent accuracy.
Manual measurements can be time-consuming and prone to human error, especially when dealing with flexible packaging.
Inconsistent accuracy can result in incorrect shipping costs, which can be costly for businesses.
Irregular shapes and flexible packaging require specialized tools to ensure accurate measurements.
Businesses that rely on manual measurements may need to invest in new equipment to improve accuracy.
Inconsistent accuracy can lead to delays in shipping and damage to packages.
Flexible packaging can be particularly challenging to measure accurately, as it can change shape during transit.
Businesses that ship irregularly shaped items may need to consider using automated measurement tools.
Costly Mistakes

A small error in measuring a large parcel can result in shipping surcharges, delays, or rejected deliveries. This is a costly mistake that businesses can easily avoid with accurate measurements.
Using a dimensional weight scanner can help prevent these errors by providing accurate calculations of a package's dimensions. This is especially important for large and heavy items.
A heavy and compact item like dumbbells may have a lower dimensional weight, while a large and lightweight item like artwork may be priced using DIM weight. This difference can significantly impact shipping costs.
Misjudging the correct weight can result in extra fees, so it’s essential for businesses to understand how actual and dimensional weight affect shipping costs.
Who Needs a Dimensional Weight Scanner
If you're in the shipping or logistics business, you likely know how important accurate package measurements are. Dimensional weight scanners are a game-changer for businesses that need to measure packages for shipping or storage purposes.
These scanners use laser or infrared sensors to measure the dimensions of packages, and some even use cameras to capture images of the package. This data is then transmitted to a computer or software system, where it's used to calculate the package's dimensional weight.
Businesses that commonly use dimensional weight scanners include shipping companies, warehouses, and e-commerce retailers. They're also used in industries like retail and logistics.
Warehouse & DC Operators
Warehouse & DC Operators can benefit from a dimensional weight scanner in many ways. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to eliminate bottlenecks and rework caused by manual measuring of large freight.
Manual measurement can be time-consuming and prone to errors, which can lead to delays and increased costs. With a dimensional weight scanner, you can quickly and accurately measure the dimensions of large freight, ensuring that your warehouse and distribution center operations run smoothly.
A dimensional weight scanner can measure objects of various sizes, from small envelopes to large pallets. For example, the vMeasure Parcel Ultima can measure objects up to 39.4 x 29.5 x 17.7 inches, while the Walz RVSS can measure objects up to 78.7 x 59.1 x 55.1 inches.
A fresh viewpoint: Intermodal Freight Transport News
The accuracy of a dimensional weight scanner is also crucial in ensuring that your operations run efficiently. For instance, the vMeasure Parcel Ultima has an accuracy of 0.2 inches for cuboids and 0.4 inches for other objects, while the Walz RVSS has an accuracy of 0.6 inches for most objects.
Here are some examples of the types of objects that can be measured by a dimensional weight scanner:
By using a dimensional weight scanner, Warehouse & DC Operators can improve their efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure that their operations run smoothly.
Third-Party Logistics Providers
Partnering with a third-party logistics provider can be a game-changer for businesses that struggle with dimensional weight calculations.
By outsourcing these tasks, businesses can focus on what they do best, while the 3PL takes care of navigating complex shipping and logistics rules.
3PLs have the expertise to negotiate affordable carrier rates, which can lead to significant cost savings.
They can also keep track of changes in DIM weight rules, ensuring businesses stay compliant with the latest industry standards.
Businesses that partner with 3PLs can avoid unnecessary expenses and maximize profits.
Customer Feedback
vMeasure dimension weight scanners have become indispensable components in shipping processes, allowing businesses to predict shipping costs accurately.
Their accurate measurements have ensured that invoices from carriers match up with vMeasure's data.
The vMeasure team is proactive and responsive, scheduling calls to assist with setting up workflows and webhooks on the same day the hardware is received.
Businesses can rely on vMeasure to provide accurate measurements, eliminating discrepancies with carrier invoices.
Technical Details
A dimensional weight scanner is a device that calculates the weight of a package based on its dimensions, not just its actual weight. This is done to ensure accurate shipping costs.
These scanners use a combination of sensors and algorithms to measure the length, width, and height of a package, which are then used to calculate its volume. The volume is then multiplied by a density factor to estimate its weight.
The density factor used by dimensional weight scanners is typically around 0.5 pounds per cubic foot. This is a standard value that is widely accepted in the shipping industry.
Dimensional weight scanners can be integrated with existing warehouse management systems to streamline the shipping process. This can save time and reduce errors.
Some scanners also have the ability to scan packages at high speeds, making them ideal for busy warehouses. This can increase productivity and reduce the time it takes to process packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check dimensional weight?
To calculate dimensional weight, multiply the package's length, width, and height together. This simple calculation will give you the dimensional weight, a key factor in shipping costs.
Does UPS charge by dimensional weight?
UPS charges based on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight, which is calculated using the International Air Transport Association (IATA) volumetric standard. Dimensional weight rates may apply to your shipment, so check with UPS for more details.
Sources
- https://vmeasure.ai/dimensional-weight-scanner/
- https://vmeasure.ai/dimensioning-weighing-scanning-systems/
- https://www.packagedimensioner.com/cubiscan.html
- https://www.transvirtual.com/us/blog/why-you-should-use-a-dimensional-weight-scanner/
- https://walzeq.com/products/automation/shipping-solutions/dimensional-weighing/rvss/
Featured Images: pexels.com