What is Dimensional Weight & How Does It Affect Shipping Costs?

Dimensional weight is a significant factor when it comes to shipping costs, especially for companies that deal with e-commerce or online retail. Do you keep shipping light items, but the total cost is more than for a heavier or compact package? It’s because of a concept called dimensional weight, or “dim weight,” which takes into account not only the physical weight that the scale shows, but also the dimensional weight that influences the shipping cost, especially in today’s e-commerce-driven era. If you ignore the weight factor, that can result in unexpected extra expenses, affecting your budget.

In this blog, we will discuss what dimensional weight is, how it affects shipping costs, and how Xpressman Trucking & Courier can help with our professional services and tips.

What is Dimensional Weight?

Let’s make the terminology simpler for you. The dimensional weight is a pricing strategy that shipping carriers use, considering the volume of the package being sent rather than its actual weight. The particular carrying companies realize that a lightweight, large box consumes the same amount of space in their medium of transport as a small, heavier one does. To maximize the use of their cargo space and ensure fair pricing, they charge you based on whichever is greater: the actual weight of the package or its dimensional weight.

How is Dimensional Weight Calculated?

The calculation for dimensional weight is straightforward; however, it can vary slightly between different carriers. How is the weight calculated? It includes multiplying the package’s width, length, and height, and then dividing that total figure by a “dimensional factor” or “dim factor.”

Furthermore, carriers typically provide a set dimensional factor number, usually around 139 for international shipments and 166 for domestic shipments, when measurements are in inches and the result is in pounds. 

As far as metric measurements are concerned, the factor will differ. For instance, if you have a box measuring 20″ x 15″ x 10″, and the carrier’s dim factor is 139, the dimensional weight would be (20×15×10)/139=21.58 lbs. 

How Does it Affect Shipping Costs?

The dimensional weight can significantly impact shipping costs. If the dimensional weight of your package exceeds its actual weight, the carrier will charge you based on the dimensional weight. This means that even inefficient packaging, such as using boxes that are unnecessarily large for the actual article inside the storage, can lead to higher shipping fees. 

For companies, especially those that frequently ship large quantities of goods at once, these additional costs can add up, reducing profit margins. 

How Can I Decrease the Cost Effect of Dimensional Weight?

You can embrace the following ways if you want to decrease the effect of dimensional weight and save your shipping budget: 

Use The Smallest Box

Try to use the smallest box possible for packing your product. Use tailor-sized boxes or poly mailers that don’t require strong protection and can be sent via regular mail. 

Avoid Extra Filling 

Avoid using extra filling, such as bubble wrap, as this tends to increase the overall dimensions of your package. Just stick to using what’s important to protect the item.

Get a Free Quote on Shipping Costs for B2B & Multi-Pallet Deliveries in the Northeast with Xpressman Trucking & Courier

At Xpressman, we deliver more than just packages. We offer businesses a comprehensive shipping solution for getting their products to their retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Our B2B courier services cover the entire Northeast region, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and more. We also reach as far as Florida, so no matter where your business needs to ship its goods, we’ve got you covered. Get the lowest rates for reliable and fast shipping today. Request a free quote online or call us at 781-836-4614.