Dimensional Weight vs Actual Weight: How It Affects Your Shipment

Dimensional weight vs actual weight can be a real game-changer for your shipment. The way it's calculated can significantly impact the cost of shipping, especially for packages that are long and thin.

The dimensional weight of a package is calculated by multiplying its length, width, and height, then dividing by a density factor. For example, if a package is 48 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches high, its dimensional weight would be calculated as (48 x 12 x 12) / 166.

This means that packages that are not very heavy but have a large volume will be charged based on their dimensional weight, which can be more expensive.

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Calculating dimensional weight is a straightforward process that involves multiplying the length, width, and height of a package and dividing the result by the carrier's DIM factor. The DIM factor is a number set by carriers that represents cubic inches per pound.

The formula for calculating dimensional weight is Length x Width x Height / Divisor = Dimensional Weight. For example, if a package has dimensions of 12 inches x 15 inches x 7 inches, the total dimension of the package would be 1,260 cubic inches.

Carriers use different DIM factors, such as FedEx's 139, UPS's 166 for domestic businesses, and DHL's 139. The carrier with the dimensions below would multiply the length, width, and height to determine the cubic size of the parcel: 12 inches x 15 inches x 7 inches = 1,260 cubic inches.

Here's a breakdown of the DIM factors used by major carriers:

To calculate the dimensional weight, simply divide the total dimension of the package by the DIM factor. For example, 1,260 cubic inches / 139 = 9 lbs.

If you're shipping a small but heavy package, the actual weight will probably exceed the dimensional weight, and the carrier will charge based on the actual weight of the parcel.

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Carriers will charge for the space the package takes up (dimensional weight) unless the actual weight is greater.

The billable weight is the weight that shippers actually get charged for, and it's the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight.

For example, if the actual weight of an item is 30 pounds and the dimensional weight is 28 pounds, the carrier will charge based on 30 pounds.

Using a box of feathers, the actual weight is 5 pounds and the dimensional weight is 48.2 pounds, so the billable weight would be 48.2 pounds.

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Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers, considering the volume of the package rather than just its actual weight.

Dimensional weight is also known as DIM weight, and it's especially relevant when shipping larger items that may be light.

Shipping carriers charge based on the amount of space a package occupies on their vehicles, not just its actual weight.

A large, lightweight package is a great example of how dimensional weight comes into play. Imagine a box of feathers with dimensions of 20 inches by 20 inches by 20 inches.

The formula to calculate dimensional weight is: Dimensional Weight = Length × Width × Height × Carrier's divisor. The divisor can differ among carriers, but a commonly used one is 166.

Using the same box of feathers, with dimensions of 20 inches by 20 inches by 20 inches, and a carrier's divisor of 166, the dimensional weight would be 48.2 pounds.

Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a package, and then dividing by a specific divisor set by the carrier.

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You can lower your shipment costs by partnering with a shipping expert or 3PL provider, who can help you maximize efficiencies and get the lowest costs.

Outsourcing your packing, labeling, kitting, and assembly work to a shipping expert or 3PL provider can benefit you in the long run by netting you higher profit margins.

By understanding how carriers calculate dimensional weight, you can package your products more efficiently and save on shipping costs.

If you're shipping a small but heavy package, the actual weight will probably exceed the dimensional weight, and the carrier will charge based on the actual weight.

Reducing the size of your boxes can lower your total shipping costs, especially for large, lightweight packages.

You can check the websites of FedEx, UPS, or DHL to understand how they calculate the DIM weight and review your packages to identify areas for improvement.

By clearly understanding the dimensional weight and its calculation, you can package your products more efficiently and reduce unnecessary shipping costs.

Shipping carriers use dimensional weights to ensure they are compensated fairly for the space a package occupies in their transportation vehicles.

By considering both the weights and volumes, carriers can optimize their cargo space and improve efficiency, helping balance the load and ensure that larger, lightweight packages don't occupy valuable space.

If you can reduce the size of your parcels even by an inch, it will substantially lower your total shipping costs.

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Dimensional weight is the weight of a parcel with specific dimensions, using all the space properly. This is calculated using a formula that takes into account the package's length, width, and height.

Actual weight, on the other hand, refers to the real weight of an item in its packaging when weighing on a scale.

The dimensional weight of a package is calculated by dividing the product of its length, width, and height by a specific factor, such as 166.

For example, a package measuring 20” x 20” x 20” would have a dimensional weight of 48.19 pounds.

The billed weight is the weight that a shipping carrier will use to charge shipping costs, which could be either the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is higher.

Here's a comparison of the three weights:

In some cases, the dimensional weight can be higher than the actual weight, which means the shipping carrier will charge based on the dimensional weight.

For instance, a package with an actual weight of 10 pounds but a dimensional weight of 48.19 pounds would be charged based on the dimensional weight.