Dimensional Weight Calculation: Complete Guide

Dimensional weight pricing, sometimes referred to as DIM, is a relatively new pricing mechanism that has just swept the shipping sector off its feet. While some businesses vehemently oppose this new pricing structure, others hail it as something of a “saving grace” for the shipping sector as a whole. 

Carriers began to realise that they were effectively losing money by utilising pricing models based only on weight, which is how Dimensional Weight pricing came to be. In a truck, lighter products may really occupy the same amount of room as heavy packages, if not more. Something is not always little just because it is light in weight. It all comes down to shipping the most units possible at once in this business.

What is Dimensional Weight?

A pricing mechanism used by commercial freight firms and postal services is referred to as dimensional weight, also known as Dimensional Weight or volumetric weight. Simply said, dimensional weight determines transportation charges based on how much actual space an item takes up owing to its cubic dimensions.

Dimensional Weight guarantees that shipping companies don’t incur losses by sending fewer goods at once, i.e., lightweight packages that take up more space, by concentrating on package density rather than merely the actual weight of a box.

Dimensional Weight charges are currently used by all major carriers, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS, on both domestic and international shipments.

Difference between DIM Weight and Actual Weight

Aspect	Actual Weight	Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)
Definition	Weight of the package when placed on a scale	Amount of space the shipment occupies
Usage	Calculate shipping costs for small items	Determine shipping costs for larger items
Inclusions	Product and all packaging	Only the size of the package matters
Calculation	Direct measurement on a scale	Length x Width x Height divided by a factor
Common Use Cases	Flat-rate shipping services, small packages	Larger shipments, bulkier items
Carrier Calculation	Based on the actual weight	Based on the cubic size and dimensional factor
Review Importance	Important for small, heavy items	Crucial for optimizing costs for large items

How to Calculate DIM Weight?

Following the rise of multichannel eCommerce, carriers discovered that their pricing strategy neglected to account for the limited quantity of storage capacity in their ships, trucks, planes, and trains. Vans may swiftly fill up with relatively little weight. As a result, sending cotton balls may actually be more expensive than shipping dumbbells. 

A package’s volume, often known as its cubic size, is computed by multiplying its length, breadth, and height. A parcel of 12 by 18 by 18 inches, for example, has a volume of 3,888 cubic inches. 

Following that, the carrier’s dimensional factor, also known as the DIM factor or DIM divisor, is divided by the volume, or cubic size, of the package. The nearest whole pound is used to round up fractions.

Importance of DIM Weight

Dim Weight Pricing	Cost Efficiency	Eliminating Oversized Packaging	Increased Shipment Density
Shipping companies like FedEx use DIM weight for pricing.Affects the cost of shipping for customers.	DIM weight pricing encourages efficient packing.Reduces shipping costs for those who optimize packaging.Reducing packaging promotes environmental friendliness.Lowers fuel emissions and minimizes overpacking waste.	Many shipments use oversized boxes requiring extra cushioning.DIM weight encourages eliminating excess space.	Optimizing packaging with DIM weight can increase shipment density.Allows more products to fit in trucks and planes, reducing shipping costs.

How Shipping Costs Can be Minimized Using Dimensional Weight

• There is no need to select a 1,600 cubic inch box for a 160 cubic inch object. While you shouldn’t cut corners on the protective materials used to encapsulate your products in the shipping box, you should make sure that the packaging you choose matches the items you’re delivering in order to save bulk.
• Additionally, you don’t have to transport anything in hefty boxes. Posters, maps, and other flexible or cylindrical things should be stored in tubes. Clothing and several types of jewellery look beautiful in padded envelopes and sleeves. To select the package that is best for you, do some study.
• Look around for the best offers because different companies employ various DIM Divisors and pricing models. There are a few national carriers in the United States that we have included, but you may find even better price possibilities with smaller regional delivery firms.

Conclusion

Dimensional weight pricing, sometimes referred to as DIM, is a relatively new pricing mechanism that has just swept the shipping sector off its feet. Dimensional weight pricing, sometimes referred to as DIM, is a relatively new pricing mechanism that has just swept the shipping sector off its feet. Something is not always little just because it is light in weight. It all comes down to shipping the most units possible at once in this business. Following that, the carrier’s dimensional factor, also known as the DIM factor or DIM divisor, is divided by the volume, or cubic size, of the package. Clothing and several types of jewellery look beautiful in padded envelopes and sleeves. 

FAQs

What is Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)?

DIM weight is a pricing mechanism used by shipping companies that determines transportation charges based on the space an item occupies due to its cubic dimensions, rather than just its actual weight.

Why was DIM Weight introduced in the shipping industry?

DIM weight was introduced because shipping companies realized they were losing money by relying solely on weight-based pricing models. Lighter, bulky items were taking up valuable shipping space.

How does DIM Weight pricing benefit shipping companies?

DIM weight pricing ensures that shipping companies don’t incur losses by sending fewer goods at once, particularly lightweight packages that occupy more space.

Which major carriers use DIM weight pricing?

All major carriers, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS, use DIM weight charges for both domestic and international shipments.

What’s the difference between Actual Weight and DIM Weight?

Actual weight is the weight measured on a scale and includes the product and packaging, while DIM weight is based on the size of the package in cubic dimensions.

When is Actual Weight more relevant in shipping calculations?

Actual weight is more relevant for small items and flat-rate shipping services.

In what situations is DIM Weight crucial for optimizing shipping costs?

DIM Weight is crucial for larger shipments and bulkier items, where packaging size matters more than actual weight.

How is DIM Weight calculated for a package?

DIM Weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and then dividing the total by a dimensional factor or divisor.

How can businesses minimize shipping costs using DIM Weight?

Businesses can minimize shipping costs by choosing packaging that matches the items being shipped and by optimizing packaging to reduce excess space.

What are the environmental benefits of DIM Weight pricing? 

DIM weight pricing promotes eco-friendliness by reducing packaging size, which helps lower fuel emissions, minimizes overpacking waste, and contributes to a more sustainable shipping process.

Supercharge your fulfilment with WareIQ now, contact our team.

Contact Us