Dimensional weight is a nightmare for customers wishing to ship their parcels, because there is a prevailing impression that the dimensional weight negatively affects the weight of the shipments, as the weight of the shipment is doubled, and this impression is completely wrong, and in In this article, we will show you the difference between dimensional weight and the actual weight, then talk about dimensional weight, how to calculate it, and how to avoid additional charges for dimensional weight.
Dimensional weight
Dimensional weight is that weight that is calculated according to the dimensions of your parcel, it shows the suitability of the dimensions of your shipping parcel, measured in cubic meters, with the weight in kilograms.
The difference between dimensional weight and the actual weight
Many of us do not distinguish between the dimensional weight and the actual weight of the shipment, and despite the fact that both words refer to weight and are used in determining the weight of shipments, but the difference between them lies in the fact that:
The actual weight is the weight of the weight of the shipments and is measured in the kilogram unit, while the dimensional weight is the suitability of the dimensions of the freight parcel (measured in cubic meters) with the weight in kilograms.
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Why Dimensional weight is important
The actual weight is calculated and compared with the dimensional weight of the shipment to make sure which is greater; accordingly, the greater weight is used to calculate the shipping price and the final cost of the shipping method.
The actual weight of your package may be small – it has a low density – but the nature and shape of the shipment makes it large, which means it takes up more space.
This forces shipping companies to take fewer shipments on board, for example; because it fills up quickly, which results in a higher shipping cost and price.
Dimensional weight calculator: How do you calculate dimensional weight?
The dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying (the length, height and width of the parcel) and dividing the result by the dimensional factor and this factor varies according to the unit of measurement.
Using kilograms to calculate shipping charges, the formula for calculating the dimension of weight is as follows:
- Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length (cm) x Height (cm) x Width (cm)) / 5000
Steps for calculating the dimensional weight
- Measure the length, height, and width of your parcel using the longest point on each side.
*Note that: These measurements should take into account any extras, as these extra volumes are included in the volumetric weight calculation, if you don’t take them into account you will be surprised at an extra shipping cost you weren’t expecting.
- Round the result to the nearest whole number.
- Multiply these parcel dimensions to get the cubic volume of your parcel.
- Divide the cubed size of your parcel by the dimensional factor called (DIM), and this factor is determined by international shipping companies such as Fedex and UPS.
How do shipping companies collect package charges?
Shipping companies collect package charges based on the higher value of the weight, whether that weight is dimensional or actual, as:
- If the actual weight of the parcel is 2 kg, and the dimension of weight is 3 kg, the shipping company will charge the shipping cost based on the dimension of weight as being greater than the actual weight.
- If the actual weight of the parcel is 3 kg and the dimension is 2 kg, the shipping pricing will be based on the actual weight, because it is the largest.
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How do you avoid dimensional weight charges?
Many people are wondering how to avoid dimension of weight charges, and here are a number of ways that will help you avoid such charges as much as possible:
- It is important to keep the volumetric weight in mind when choosing the box in which your shipment will be shipped, as a large box means a high volumetric weight, which in turn leads to high shipping costs.
- Use a box as small as possible while maintaining product integrity; There is room inside the box for any necessary air packaging, which is the perfect solution to reduce shipping costs while not sacrificing product.
- Trying to ship large quantities of parcels, as the cumulative number of shipments has significant discounts from international shipping companies.
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