Is shipping charged by weight or size?

Shipping Costs: Weight vs. Size

When it comes to shipping, it’s not always just the weight that matters. The size of your package can also significantly impact the cost. Carriers often use a calculation called “dimensional weight” to determine shipping fees.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight is a measure of how much space a package occupies in a truck or plane. It’s calculated using a formula that factors in the length, width, and height of the package. For example, a package that is 20 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches high would have a dimensional weight of 3,000 cubic inches.

Carriers use dimensional weight to ensure that they are compensated for the space that your package takes up in their vehicles. Even if your package is relatively light, it may incur higher shipping costs due to its large size.

Actual Weight

In addition to dimensional weight, actual weight may also play a role in pricing. This is especially true for heavy items or packages that are very dense. For these items, the actual weight may be greater than the dimensional weight, resulting in higher shipping costs.

Impact on Costs

The impact of dimensional weight on shipping costs can be significant. For example, a package with a dimensional weight of 2,000 cubic inches may incur a shipping charge of $10. However, if the actual weight of the package is only 5 pounds, the shipping charge may only be $5.

Conclusion

When shipping items, it’s important to consider both the weight and the size of your package. Dimensional weight is a factor that carriers use to determine shipping fees. By optimizing the size of your package, you can potentially reduce your shipping costs.