Dimensional Weight (DimWt)

Dimensional Weight (DimWt) is a pricing technique used by carriers to determine shipping costs based on the size and weight of the shipment. This method is used when the shipment’s size is larger than its weight, which means that the carrier must allocate more space to transport it. To calculate the dimensional weight, the carrier measures the shipment’s length, width, and height, and applies a formula to determine its volume. The carrier then compares the shipment’s actual weight to its dimensional weight and charges the higher of the two. 

The calculation of Dimensional Weight (DimWt) varies depending on the unit of measurement used and the carrier’s specific formula. However, the most common formula used to calculate DimWt is as follows: 

DimWt = (Length x Width x Height) / Dimensional Factor 

The dimensional factor is a value that varies depending on the unit of measurement used. For example, if the dimensions of the package are measured in inches, the dimensional factor is typically 139 for domestic shipments and 166 for international shipments. If the dimensions of the package are measured in centimeters, the dimensional factor is typically 5000.