The right way to Scale back Parcel DIM Weights

Have you ever ever puzzled why your transport prices are generally greater than anticipated? One of many causes may very well be the dimensional weight of your packages. If any outbound shipments contain cartons bigger than one cubic foot (size x width x peak exceeds 1,728 cubic inches), you could be losing cash on extreme dimensional (DIM) weight expenses.

This text explains DIM weights and the right way to cut back them to save lots of on transport prices.

Table of Contents

DIM Weights

Dimensional weight is a pricing methodology utilized by transport carriers to calculate the billing weight of a parcel as a substitute of its precise weight. It’s a means for carriers to cost for the area your bundle takes up of their vehicles and planes no matter its precise weight.

To calculate, multiply your parcel’s size x width x peak in inches and divide that whole by 139 for UPS, FedEx, and DHL floor shipments or 166 for USPS Precedence Mail shipments.

For instance, an 18 x 18 x 18 field that truly weighs 10 kilos equals 5,832 cubic inches which divided by 139 equals a 42-pound DIM weight. Or, for USPS parcel put up shipments, the DIM weight can be 5,832 divided by 166, which equals 35 kilos. In each circumstances, if the DIM weight is bigger than the precise weight, it turns into the billable weight.

Diagram of two parcels with dimensional measurements.

A DIM weight calculation begins with a parcel’s measurement. These parcels are 216 cubic inches (3 x 12 x 6, at left) and 720 cubic inches (10 x 12 x 6). Supply: eFulfillment Service.

Decreasing DIM Weights

Decreasing DIM weights is important for retailers and shoppers. By decreasing your packages’ DIM weights, you’ll be able to:

Save on transport prices.
Provide extra aggressive costs to your prospects.
Decrease your carbon footprint through the use of much less packaging materials.

There are a number of methods to scale back DIM weights with out compromising the standard of a cargo.

Select the right field sizes. In the event you fulfill orders in-house, keep a variety of bigger inventory cartons to pick the smallest choice to your merchandise. At my fulfillment center, we inventory 22 customary sizes, for instance.

Decrease bundle dimensions. Take into consideration the association of things within the field. Attempt to cut back the bundle dimensions by rearranging the gadgets or utilizing custom-shaped packaging. Take the time to fold, flatten, stack, consolidate, vacuum seal, or in any other case decrease the required carton measurement.

Consolidate shipments. Mix a number of orders right into a single cargo at any time when doable. This may assist cut back the general DIM weight of the packages and get monetary savings on transport prices.

Choose a transport service with a bigger DIM weight divisor. When doable, use a transport service with a bigger DIM divisor to scale back the impression of bundle dimensions on transport prices. For instance, the USPS divisor is 166 in comparison with 139 for UPS, FedEx, and DHL. For an 18 x 18 x 18 carton, that’s a DIM weight of 42 vs. 35. Alternatively, ask your achievement supplier to assign a better DIM divisor together with discounted ship charges. Once more, the upper the divisor quantity, the decrease the calculated DIM weight.

Q & A

What’s DIM weight? Dimensional weight is a pricing methodology utilized by transport carriers to calculate the billable weight of a parcel vs. its precise weight.

Why is it vital to scale back DIM weights? Decreasing DIM weights helps save on transport prices, affords extra aggressive costs to prospects, and lowers the environmental impression of shipments.

What are methods for lowering DIM weights? Select the right field sizes, optimize bundle contents, consolidate shipments, and improve the DIM divisor.

Can lowering DIM weights enhance buyer satisfaction? Sure. Decreasing DIM weights and decreasing transport prices permits for extra aggressive costs, growing buyer satisfaction.

How can I repeatedly cut back DIM weights? In the event you fulfill in-house, inventory a broad vary of carton sizes, practice your workers to reduce wasted carton quantity, and use greater DIM divisors when doable. In the event you outsource, ask your achievement supplier to assign a better DIM divisor.