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What Is Dimensional Weight & How to Calculate It
Time: Jul 11,2024 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com
For businesses looking to minimize shipping costs, understanding dimensional weight is vital. Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used by carriers such as UPS, USPS, and FedEx to calculate shipping costs based on a package's dimensions rather than its actual weight.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dimensional weight, from the basics to carrier-specific policies and calculation methods. Learn how to optimize your shipping strategy and reduce costs by mastering dimensional weight.
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1. Understanding What Is Dimensional Weight
Traditional shipping costs were determined solely by weight, but with dimensional weight, the volume of a package also comes into play. DIM weight ensures that carriers are compensated for the space a package occupies in their vehicles, not just its weight.
In today's e-commerce-driven world, efficient shipping is crucial. Dimensional weight helps balance shipping costs by preventing shippers from exploiting low-weight but bulky packages. By understanding and leveraging DIM weight, businesses can optimize their packaging strategies, reduce shipping costs, and enhance their profitability.
2. What Is Dimensional Weight Pricing
For shippers, dimensional weight pricing can significantly affect shipping costs. Large but lightweight packages can incur higher charges than their actual weight would suggest. Therefore, it's crucial for businesses to understand how DIM weight pricing works and adjust their packaging strategies accordingly.
3. What Is DIM Factor
The DIM factor, or dimensional factor, is a constant number used to calculate the dimensional weight of a package. It represents the volume (typically in cubic inches or cubic centimeters) per unit of weight (usually in pounds or kilograms).
UPS, FedEx, and USPS establish their own DIM factors, which they update annually. In 2019, the US Postal Service changed its DIM weight pricing model to apply to all packages exceeding 1,728 cubic inches. However, DIM weight pricing does not apply to USPS flat rate shipments.
A higher DIM Factor typically means a lower DIM weight and cost.
4. How to Calculate Dimensional Weight
The shipping cost is based on the greater of the DIM weight or the actual weight. For instance, a package with a DIM weight of 10 pounds and an actual weight of 5 pounds ships as an 10-pound parcel. If the same package has an actual weight of 15 pounds, the shipping charge is based on 15 pounds. Typically, small, heavy packages are charged by actual weight, while large, lightweight packages use DIM weight due to their high volume.
Step-by-Step Calculation
2. Calculate the Volume: Multiply the length, width, and height to get the cubic inches.
3. Find the DIM Factor: Find the DIM factor of your shipping carrier.
And now, you just need to apply these numbers to the formula:
Dimensional Weight (lbs)=(Length x Width x Height)/DIM Factor
Example Calculation
Dimensional Weight=(20×15×10)/139≈21.6 lbs
5. UPS DIM Factor
6. USPS DIM Factor
7. FedEx DIM Factor
8. Get Started with SFC Services
Whether you have or do not have a fulfillment partner, particularly if your products are manufactured in China, you should consider SFC. Click the button below and get help from SFC logistics experts.
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9. FAQs Dimensional Weight
What is the purpose of dimensional weight?
How does dimensional weight affect shipping costs?
Can I reduce dimensional weight charges?
Do all carriers use the same DIM factor?
Is dimensional weight used for all shipping services?
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