Whether you're sending small packages or large shipments, this calculator guarantees accurate pricing, saving you time and money.
Utilize a scale to ascertain the actual weight of the package prepared for shipping.
Take measurements of the box's length, width, and height, ensuring you consistently round up the outcomes. For instance, if the package length measures 17.25, round it up to 18.
Use the Dimensional Weight Calculator below to calculate the fundamental shipping expense for every shipping carrier, catering to your package's unique dimensions.
* Prices shown are each carrier's base daily rates. All Points clients receive substantial shipping discounts off the carrier's base rates. Please contact us for more information.
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What is Dimensional Weight?
Dimensional weight, often referred to as DIM weight, is a calculation used by shipping companies to determine the cost of shipping a package based on its size and volume, in addition to its actual weight. This method ensures fair pricing for larger, lightweight items that may occupy significant space.
By considering both the dimensions and weight, shipping carriers ensure that the charges accurately reflect the space a package occupies in their vehicles, preventing underpricing for bulkier shipments.
When Is Dimensional Weight Applied?
Dimensional weight is applied when calculating the shipping cost for a package that is relatively large but lightweight. This occurs when the dimensional weight of a package, which is calculated based on its dimensions (length, width, and height), exceeds its actual weight.
Shipping carriers use the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight to determine the shipping cost. This approach ensures that companies are charged appropriately for the space their packages occupy in the shipping vehicles, preventing underpricing for items that take up a significant amount of space despite their light weight.
How Is Dimensional Weight Calculated?
<div id="w-node-aea3cb32-ab55-9f50-e4e5-7338aa148e8a-860bb55a"><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey">Dimensional weight is calculated using a formula that takes into account the package's dimensions and a dimensional factor set by the shipping carrier.</p><img src="https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula.webp" loading="lazy" sizes="100vw" srcset="https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula-p-500.webp 500w, https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula-p-800.webp 800w, https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula-p-1080.webp 1080w, https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula-p-1600.webp 1600w, https://assets-global.website-files.com/642a69f5bb87cb1a954d4797/64dce011e636d414d5faa2a4_dimensional%20weight%20formula.webp 1977w" alt="" class="image-141"><p id="w-node-_10b608c3-f708-18fb-044d-8abb9a9d6e4d-860bb55a" class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey">The formula typically follows these steps:</p><div class="eyebrow-paragraph"><div class="eyebrow text-alignment-left bottom-margin-10">step 1</div><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey"><span class="text-span-31">Measure the dimensions:</span> Measure the length, width, and height of the package in inches.</p></div><div class="eyebrow-paragraph"><div class="eyebrow text-alignment-left bottom-margin-10">step 2</div><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey"><span class="text-span-31">Calculate the cubic inches:</span> Multiply the length, width, and height measurements together to get the package's volume in cubic inches.</p></div><div class="eyebrow-paragraph"><div class="eyebrow text-alignment-left bottom-margin-10">step 3</div><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey"><span class="text-span-31">Divide by the dimensional factor:</span> Divide the cubic inches by the dimensional factor set by the shipping carrier. The dimensional factor represents the amount of space a carrier allocates for a unit of weight (often expressed in cubic inches per pound or kilogram).</p></div><div class="eyebrow-paragraph"><div class="eyebrow text-alignment-left bottom-margin-10">step 4</div><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey"><span class="text-span-31">The result is the dimensional weight:</span> The calculated value after the division represents the dimensional weight of the package. If this dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight of the package, the carrier will use the dimensional weight to calculate the shipping cost.</p></div><p class="paragraph-regular text-alignment-left text-color-dark-grey top-margin-30">Different carriers might have variations in their dimensional factor or the way they apply dimensional weight, so it's important to be aware of the specific formula used by the carrier you're working with.</p></div>
How Does All Points Reduce Dimensional Weight?
All Points is not only your shipping partner but also your optimization ally. Our seasoned experts delve deep into the dimensions of your products, crafting packaging solutions that maximize space usage and minimize unnecessary bulk. From custom-fit packaging to ingenious disassembly techniques, we're all about reducing size while enhancing protection.
Our consolidation prowess ensures packages travel united, streamlining dimensions and slashing costs. Plus, our strategic partnerships with carriers mean you get exclusive dimensional weight advantages.
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