Dim Weight Restrictions for Packaging
This time of the year more packages are being sent than any other time of the year. Anyone who is packaging and shipping anything must be aware of what Dim Weight means, how it affects the products that are being shipped, and how it affects costs.
Dim Weight means Dimensional Weight and affects shipping costs. Instead of just the weight of the package, the volume is factored in as well. In a sense, the cost is determined by how much space the package will occupy, versus the weight of the package.
Here’s our top 3 things that you need to know about dim weight restrictions as we close 2018.
Void Fill Is Key
Filling with the wrong void fill or filling with too much void fill can significantly increase costs. Many companies have started using mailer bags for items that don’t need void fill for cost savings. When it comes to shipping boxes, Dim weight restrictions basically put a minimum cost on a box no matter how much the contents weigh. This is where it is critical to have a packaging expert who can help you find the right packaging products for the SKUs that you offer so that you always have the best packaging process for minimizing shipping costs.
There are many tools for measuring Dim Weight
In 2017, FedEx developed a formula to calculate dimensional weight for domestic and international shipments. This formula is also used by UPS. The basic formula measures length, by width, by height, then divides by a volumatic divisor. To understand how this formula works and to utilize an automatic Dim Weight calculator visit the United States Postal Service’s Dim Weight page by clicking here. Be cautious because there are different charges for international shipping and other special cases so always refer to your shipping partner for the most up to date pricing.
Dim Weight Charges Have Increased Shipping Costs by 30%
According to PackSize.com the Dimensional Weight restrictions that shipping companies use have increased shipping costs by 30%. From a shipping perspective this makes sense – more items are being shipped than ever before and the shipping vendors need space on their truck to get everything delivered. While consumers are affected on a lower level, businesses that send high volumes of packages need to have the knowledge and awareness to pack right for lower costs. PackSize explains more about that here: https://www.packsize.com/dim-weight-charges/
