The concept of dimensional weight (also known as
“dim weight” or “volumetric weight”) has been
adopted worldwide by the transportation industry
as a means of establishing a minimum charge for
the cubic space a shipment occupies while in
transit. By charging only for the actual weight,
lightweight, low density freight would become
unprofitable quickly for freight carriers.
Carriers use the greater of the actual weight or
dimensional weight to calculate shipping
charges, based on the following formula: (Length
x Width x Height) / (Dimensional Factor). The
“dimensional factor” varies based on metric
versus imperial measurement, as well as whether
the shipment is domestic versus international.
Contact our customer service department for a
more detailed explanation.