Understanding Dimensional Weight Billing

imensional weight (often called "dim weight") is a pricing technique used by carriers to account for package density. This article explains how dimensional weight is calculated and how our billing aligns with carrier practices.

What is Dimensional Weight?

Dimensional weight reflects the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. Lightweight but bulky packages take up more space on delivery vehicles than their actual weight would suggest, making dimensional weight an important pricing factor.

How We Calculate Dimensional Weight

We calculate dimensional weight using the following formula:

Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 166

Where:

• Length, width, and height are measured in inches
• 166 is our standard dimensional divisor

How We Bill

We follow the same approach as major carriers by billing based on whichever is greater:

• The actual weight of the package
• The dimensional weight of the package

This ensures our billing practices align with carrier costs and prevent unexpected charges.

Example Calculation

A package measuring 18" × 12" × 10" with an actual weight of 5 lbs:

Dimensional Weight = (18 × 12 × 10) ÷ 166
Dimensional Weight = 2,160 ÷ 166
Dimensional Weight = 13.01 lbs

Since the dimensional weight (13.01 lbs) exceeds the actual weight (5 lbs), we would bill for 13.01 lbs.

Impact on Operations

Understanding dimensional weight is crucial when dealing with irregularly shaped inventory. While we always use the most efficient packaging option, certain products may inherently require larger boxes relative to their weight. Being aware of dimensional weight calculations helps in:

• Anticipating shipping costs more accurately for oddly shaped items
• Making informed decisions about product assortment and storage
• Identifying opportunities for packaging optimization where possible

Updated on: 15/05/2025