Dimensional Weights

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Overview

• This topic explains what dimensional weights are and how they can affect your business.

What are dimensional weights?

• Dimensional weights are commonly referred to as "DIM Weights".
• DIM weights reference the size of the package as opposed to the actual weight of the package.
• To determine a packages' DIM weight, multiply the dimensions of the package (L x W x H) to determine the amount of physical space the package occupies (volume). That number is then divided by an arbitrary value chosen by the carrier to determine the dimensional weight of the package. UPS and FedEx use a value of 166, while USPS uses a value of 194.

Why do I need to be concerned about DIM weights?

• Carriers have used dimensional weights for a long time, but until recently they were not applied to packages which had a volume less than three cubic feet. Unless you shipped packages greater than 3 cubic feet, you may have never run into this before.
• Many small businesses ship small, lightweight packages which are now subject to the practice of using dimensions weights as well as the actual weight of the package to determine the rate billed by the carrier.
• In 2015, both UPS and FedEx changed their policies and are now using dimensional weights versus the actual weight of the package to determine the shipping costs for all domestic shipments. This can translate into a significant increase in shipping costs you may not be expecting.

What can I do to minimize increased shipping costs due to dimensional weights?

There are several things you can do to minimize increases.

1. Review your current shipping practices, focusing especially on medium to large, lightweight items, as they are most likely to be affected.
   1. Determine if dimensional weights apply.
   2. Calculate the potential impact, including surcharges.
   3. See the links to the carrier's websites at the bottom of this topic for more information.
2. Pack orders as efficiently as possible by using the smallest box that accommodates all items.
   1. Review your shipment data to identify the most common shipment sizes.
   2. Stock a wider variety of box sizes so orders can be packed more efficiently without risking damage to the items.
3. Shop different carriers based on shipment sizes.
   1. Smaller lightweight packages are generally going to be cheaper through USPS rather than UPS or FedEx at this time, unless you get significant discounts from those carriers. Refer to the USPS flat-rate packages sizes for a general idea of the package sizes that would benefit.

How does Stone Edge help?  

Stone Edge is able to automatically suggest the best fit box for all items in an order provided:

1. Product dimensions are specified in your Stone Edge inventory records.
2. Your shipping cartons are defined in the Stone Edge inventory as "boxes" so the program can suggest a single, best-fit, box to accommodate all of the items in the order.
   1. If you assign a Default box to a product, be sure its dimensions are greater than those of the product as the Default box size dimensions are sent to the carrier shipping software when rate shopping or printing shipping labels internally.
   2. Be aware that if no box is assigned and no dimensions are specified (through its inventory record or entered manually), the program sends the dimensions of the smallest box defined in the system when rate shopping and printing shipping labels internally.  
   3. Stone Edge only selects boxes that have a QOH greater than zero or those are marked as IgnoreQOH.
3. Refrain from using the Pack Separately option, unless it is absolutely necessary. This forces a multi-item order into multiple boxes, increasing costs.

What if I print shipping labels externally?

UPS WorldShip

Stone Edge does not send package dimensions to UPS WorldShip or other external shipping software solutions, however, you can set up box sizes in your WorldShip just as you can in Stone Edge using the Package Type Editor.

1. Open WorldShip.

2. Select the Tools>More Tools>Create Custom Package Type.

3. Type in a Package Type Name.
4. Type in the correct dimensions in the Length, Width and Height fields.
5. Select Add.
6. Repeat this process for as many boxes you commonly use.
7. Select Close to exit the Package Type Editor.
8. All of your package dimensions are saved for future shipments.

Additional Information

Endicia (USPS)

FedEx Dimensional Weight and Packing FAQs

UPS How to Determine Billable Weight

UPS Quick Reference Guide to Avoid Shipping Charge Corrections

Inventory: Miscellaneous

Accessing the Rate Shopping System

Created: 1/8/15

Revised: 1/26/2015

Published: 09/08/15

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