The weight calculated by measuring the length x width x height of a package: used when calculating the rate of oversized pieces.
Dimensional weight is based on the overall size of an object and relates to the additional cost of transporting light but sizeable items..
A calculation of a shipment's weight based on the IATA volumetric standard instead of its actual weight. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length x height x width and dividing by 166 pounds (if multiplied in inches) or by 6,000 kilograms (if multiplied in centimetres).
The space or volume of a shipment. Determined by multiplying the length by the width by the height and dividing the sum by 194 for domestic shipments or by 166 for international shipments. See also Actual Weight or Chargeable Weight.
A calculated weight based on a minimum density requirement. Density is the weight per cubic foot of a shipment of cargo. It is computed by dividing the shipment volume by the minimum density requirement. The dimensional weight rule was developed to insure fair compensation to low density shipments under which the transportation charges are based on a cubic dimensional weight rather than upon actual weight.
Formula used to determine freight charges when the minimum weight to volume ratio has not been met. Actual weight and dim weight are compared, and the larger weight is used for the freight calculation. Dim weight is calculated by: Dim weight= (Length x Width x Height) / 194 . All dimensional measurements are in inches.
A computed weight based on a minimum density requirement. It is used to determine the freight charges for low dense shipments. It is computed by dividing the shipment volume by the minimum density requirement. The Dimensional Weight Rule was developed to insure fair compensation for low-density shipments. When a given shipment falls below the minimum density requirement, dimensional weight rather than actual weight is used to calculate the transportation charged. Minimum density requirements vary from carrier to carrier. Some carriers give discounts for shipments of high-density goods.
In shipping and freight, Dimensional Weight is a billing technique which takes into account the volume of a package. Shipping costs have historically been calculated on the basis of gross weight in kilograms or pounds. By charging only by weight, lightweight packages become unprofitable for freight carriers with limited shipping volumes.
