Dimensional weight is something that carriers work with to calculate the shipping costs of things.
Also known as DIM weight, it shows how much space a package is currently occupying, in relation to the actual weight that’s there. It’s used by carriers, for lightweight, but not super bulky, types of packages.
Calculating this will help with improving the optimization of your packaging, and control the costs of shipping. It can save you money if you put it in a smaller box, especially if the weight remains the same.
The way this is done is by measuring the length, width, and height in inches, multiplying this, and then dividing the resulting number by what’s called the DIM divisor. This is varied by carrier, either 139 or 166 usually.
Now, you then take the DIM weight, that number divided by 166, and then compare it to the current weight. If the carrier sees a discrepancy, it will charge the greater one.
Now, sometimes these numbers are close, but if the number is huge while the product is small, you have some adjustments to do.
The Common Packaging Mistakes that Cause DIM Changes
Most of the time, the causes of DIM changes are on you, and how you package them.
Oversized boxes are one example of this. The tiny item in a big box isn’t going to cut it with most carriers.
Another one is underfilled packages. If you need all that space for your item, that’s great, but there’s a strong chance that you don’t, and it will trigger a much higher DIM charge.
Padding overflow is a third one. Some people put in too much padding, under the guise of being efficient. It isn’t efficient, and it ends up causing a lot of trouble in the long term as well.
The Smart Solutions
Most of the time, the simplest answer is a smart solution.
The correct-sized box is one example of such. putting the right box together plays a huge role in your packaging solutions, and makes it easier for you.
Poly mailers rather than a box is another solution. For small trinkets and items, this is one of the best ways to make things better for you in the long haul as well.
Modular inserts to minimize the voids, such as foam inserts and cardboard ones, also help with minimizing the void while also not causing packaging overflow. Again, it mostly involves smart packaging.
The Best ways to Check This
Now, most of the time, using an online DIM calculator will help with getting you the total DIM before going to the post office. There are also sites where optimization strategies are used too. These, of course, will help to optimize the packaging to make it easier on you, and more efficient.
If you’re having trouble, there are also guides that will give you tips to try this, and will in turn, help to ensure that your packaging is integrated correctly into the packaging needs that you have.
So does this have an impact on the overall costs of your packaging? Yes, it does. Many times, when you optimize the packaging correctly, you save yourself a ton on various charges by the courier and the like. Being able to ensure that your packaging dimensional weight is effective for the packaging needs that you have is a huge part of this.
So, by doing such, you’ll be able to calculate DIM, ultimately reduce the costs of such items, and in turn, it will make everything far more efficient too.