Ship Method / Destination: Canada Post (International – Priority)Actual Weight: 10 kgLength: 50 cmWidth: 40 cmHeight: 40 cmCubic Size Calculation: 50 x 40 x 40 = 80,000 cubic cmDimensional Weight Calculation: 80,000/5,000 = 16 kg

However, not all shipping companies calculate their DIM weights the same. In this blog, we’ll unpack the ways these shipping companies calculate dimensional weight and offer practical examples to help you vizualize how different shipping carriers can impact your DIM Weight costs.

Canada Post has different dimensional weight factors depending on the type of service. Expedited or regular services use a factor of 6,000 cm3/kg, equivalent to 10 lbs/cu ft. For Priority, Xpresspost, U.S., and international services, the DIM factor is 5,000 cm3/kg, equivalent to 12 lbs/cu ft.

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For DHL Global shipments, we divide the total cubic size in cm by 5,000. The dimensional weight of 16 kg is greater than the actual weight. Consequently, DHL will charge for the dimensional weight.

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We lower your cost by offering the best dimensional shipping weight in the industry. View the example below and contact your sales rep to learn more.

For Canada Post international Priority shipments, we divide the total cubic size in cm by 5,000. The dimensional weight is 16 kg, which is greater than the actual weight. So, Canada Post will use the dimensional weight as the billable weight.

Similarly, for FedEx domestic shipments, we divide the total cubic size in inches by 139. The dimensional weight here is also 31 pounds, which is greater than the actual weight. Therefore, FedEx will use the dimensional weight as the billable weight.

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In this example, because it is a domestic shipment, we divide the total cubic size in inches by 139. In doing so, we find out that the dimensional weight is 31 pounds, which is greater than the actual weight. Thus, UPS will consider the dimensional weight as the billable weight.

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DHL Express uses a global DIM factor of 5,000 cm3/kg or 12 lbs/cu ft. However, for the United Arab Emirates, the company uses a more stringent factor of 4,000 cm3/kg or 16 lbs/cu ft.

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The United States Postal Service uses dimensional weight to calculate shipping costs for specific services. For international shipments, USPS uses a DIM factor of 166 cubic inches per pound, equivalent to a minimum density of 10 lbs/cu ft. However, domestic priority mail shipments delivered to Zones 5-9 that exceed one cubic foot are billed using a DIM factor of 194 cubic inches per pound, equivalent to 8.9 lbs/cu ft.

Much like UPS, FedEx uses a DIM factor of 139 cubic inches per pound for both international and U.S. and Puerto Rico shipments, corresponding to a minimum density of 12 lbs/cu ft.

Knowing how dimensional weight is calculated is essential for businesses that ship lightweight, bulky items, as it can significantly impact shipping costs. Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, understanding these practices can help you optimize your packaging processes, ultimately saving you money.

Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, is a pricing technique that commercial freight transport companies have widely adopted. By calculating the space a package occupies in a truck, aircraft, or ship, rather than only its gross weight, freight carriers can optimize their cargo and ensure profitability. This practice has seen widespread adoption since 2015 and has become a norm among leading shipping companies, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, and DHL.

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Ship Method / Destination: FedEx (Domestic)Actual Weight: 21 poundsLength: 30 inchesWidth: 12 inchesHeight: 12 inchesCubic Size Calculation: 30 x 12 x 12 = 4,320 cubic inchesDimensional Weight Calculation: 4,320/139 = 31 pounds

Remember, while DIM weight penalizes shippers of large, lightweight boxes, you can avoid these charges by using smaller boxes, compressing your goods, and reducing the use of packing materials. Stay ahead of the curve by knowing how the system works!

United Parcel Service calculates dimensional weight using a DIM factor of 139 cubic inches per pound (or 12 lbs/cu ft) for international shipments and US domestic shipments that exceed one cubic foot. For retail rates and packages equal to or less than one cubic foot, a DIM factor of 166 cubic inches per pound (or 10 lbs/cu ft) is used.

UPS

Ship Method / Destination: DHL (Global) Actual Weight: 10 kgLength: 50 cmWidth: 40 cmHeight: 40 cmCubic Size Calculation: 50 x 40 x 40 = 80,000 cubic cmDimensional Weight Calculation: 80,000/5,000 = 16 kg

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Ecommerce Definition: DIM Factor  The Dimensional Weight (DIM) Factor, or volumetric divisor, is a number set by courier services to calculate the dimensional weight of a package, accounting for the package’s size in relation to its actual weight. It’s determined by dividing the cubic size of the package (length x width x height) by the DIM factor. The DIM factor can vary by carrier and shipping type (domestic or international), and directly influences shipping costs.

Check out our full comprehensive guide on Dimensional Weight and learn about common mistakes, packaging strategies, and DIM weights impact on your e-commerce business!

In this example, because it is a domestic shipment and the package exceeds one cubic foot, we divide the total cubic size in inches by 194. In doing so, we find out that the dimensional weight is 22 pounds, which is greater than the actual weight. Thus, USPS will consider the dimensional weight as the billable weight.

Ship Method / Destination: UPS (Domestic – Daily rates for packages over 1 cubic foot)Actual Weight: 21 poundsLength: 30 inchesWidth: 12 inchesHeight: 12 inchesCubic Size Calculation: 30 x 12 x 12 = 4,320 cubic inchesDimensional Weight Calculation: 4,320/139 = 31 pounds

Ship Method / Destination: USPS (Domestic – Priority Mail, Zones 5-9, packages over 1 cubic foot)Actual Weight: 21 poundsLength: 30 inchesWidth: 12 inchesHeight: 12 inchesCubic Size Calculation: 30 x 12 x 12 = 4,320 cubic inchesDimensional Weight Calculation: 4,320/194 = 22 pounds