Dimensional weighing is a method of determining shipping prices based on a package’s volume, not just weight. Dimensional weight use to be a concern only for air freight, but has recently moved to all sectors of commercial shipments.

Why has dimensional weighing become such a key focus? A carrier’s truck is often filled due to space restrictions much sooner than it reaches its capacity in weight. One of the primary reasons is that shippers over-use packing materials and create a lot of empty space in their boxes.

Let’s say you are shipping 100-count containers of ping pong balls in a two-foot cube box. You’ve added two inches of packing peanuts inside, cradling the containers on all sides. Chances are this two-foot square box is pretty light, but it still takes up quite a bit of space for the actual contents inside.

The dimensional weight movement is not about increasing prices for shippers, it is about encouraging best shipping practices and utilizing a carrier’s capacity to the maximum. If you’re not thrilled about being charged a larger dimensional weight for a large box of ping pong balls, as a shipper you can re-evaluate the way you ship. By shipping smarter, you can adapt to dimensional weighing easier.

Remember, with dimensional weighing it is all about volume. Sometimes the item you ship will have a larger volume ratio than its weight, and you will need to use dimensional weight prices. Volume now has a weight, and just being aware will help you find the best solution for this new shipping movement.