What is Dimensional Weight

"Dimensional Weight", "Dim Weight", or "Volumetric Weight" are all terminologies referring to the same alternative weight calculation, which most carriers use today. It is used to determine the shipping cost. The method to calculate it is by calculating the volume of the package and apply a "Dim factor" to it.  The "Dim Factor" is carrier-dependent.

The weight used by the carrier for calculating shipping cost is either the "Actual Weight" or the "Dimensional Weight", whichever value is higher.

With the advancement of trucks, trailers and containers, and the ever-growing need for space in these elements, carriers are always limited by the space available to carry all shipments. Dim Weight can take care of this physical space constraint by calculating the cost based on physical space that the package occupies in the truck, trailer, or container.


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