Dimensional weight, or DIM weight, is a pricing technique used by carriers to calculate shipping rates based on package volume rather than just weight. This ensures that the cost of shipping a package reflects both its weight and the amount of space it occupies in a carrier’s vehicle.
How Dimensional Weight Is Calculated
Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a package (in inches), then dividing by a dimensional factor (or DIM divisor) set by the carrier.
Carrier-Specific DIM Divisors
- USPS: Standard DIM divisor is 166.
- UPS: Standard DIM divisor is 139.
- FedEx: Standard DIM divisor is 139.
Negotiating DIM Factors
Carriers may allow negotiation of the DIM divisor based on your shipping volume and specific agreements. Lower DIM divisors result in lower dimensional weights and can reduce shipping costs.
What This Means for You
- Measure Carefully: Always measure the dimensions of your packages accurately to estimate shipping costs effectively.
- Know Your Carrier’s Policy: Familiarize yourself with the specific dimensional weight policies of your chosen carrier. This can affect the cost, especially for large, lightweight packages.
- Negotiate If Possible: If you ship large volumes, contact your carrier about potentially negotiating a more favorable DIM divisor.
By understanding and applying the concept of dimensional weight, you can better manage your shipping costs.
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