Dimensional weight, also known as volume weight, is a pricing technique used by postal and commercial package delivery services that considers the amount of space a package occupies, in addition to its actual weight. To determine dimensional weight, the package’s length, width, and height are multiplied. This cubic size is then divided by a dimensional factor (also known as a divisor) specified by the carrier. The result represents the weight used for calculating shipping costs if it exceeds the actual weight of the package.
This approach is significant because it allows carriers to fairly charge for packages that take up a considerable amount of space relative to their actual mass. Historically, shipping costs were solely based on weight. However, very light, bulky items would take up valuable space in trucks and airplanes, making the traditional weight-based system inequitable for carriers. The introduction of dimensional weight ensures that costs reflect the resources consumed by each shipment more accurately. This benefits carriers by optimizing revenue and encourages shippers to utilize efficient packaging.