Understanding Dimensional Weight: How ShipTime Simplifies Shipping Costs
Dimensional weight is a method couriers use to calculate the maximum weight of a package based on its size. This calculation, derived from a mathematical formula, primarily considers the parcel's dimensions. The courier will determine the shipment price based on whichever is greater: the actual physical weight or the dimensional weight of the parcel.
How Dimensional Weight Works:
- Application: Dimensional weight typically applies to lighter shipments in larger boxes. Some couriers, such as Canpar, prefer to display the dimensional weight on the label instead of the actual weight.
- Automatic Calculation by ShipTime: When you prepare your labels with ShipTime, our system automatically calculates the dimensional weight for you. Simply enter the dimensions and weight accurately, and our system will do the rest.
Manual Calculation Formula
If you prefer to calculate dimensional weight manually, use the following formula:
Length×Width×Height divided by the divisible number.
Courier Specific Divisible Numbers:
- DHL: 139
- Canada Post: 166
- Canpar: 139.4
- Canpar Select: 115.2
- GLS: 166
- Purolator Ground: 139.4
- Purolator Air: 115.2
- Loomis: 139.4
Why Dimensional Weight Matters
Dimensional weight ensures that shipping costs are fair for both the courier and the customer, especially for large but light packages. By considering the space a package occupies in addition to its weight, couriers can optimize their load capacities.
ShipTime’s Advantage
- Ease of Use: No need for manual calculations. Enter your package dimensions and weight, and ShipTime’s system will handle the rest.
- Accurate Pricing: Ensure you get the most accurate shipping quotes by using our automated dimensional weight calculations. Save up to 76% on top national couriers!
- Convenient Labeling: The dimensional weight will be displayed on your label if preferred by the courier.
Please Note: There is no need for you to calculate dimensional weight manually, ShipTime’s system takes care of that for you! As long as the dimensions and weight are accurately entered into the dimension sections while creating a quote, our system will accurately calculate this for you! The dimensional weight will then be displayed on your label if it's the courier's preference.
Here is a general guide line to measuring/calculating dimensional weight.
About ShipTime:
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