Earlier this year, USPS package dimensions and dimensional weight charges were announced, changing how carrier mailing and shipping rates are calculated by USPS. This adjustment will affect everything from their First-Class Mail service to Priority Mail. This will be the biggest USPS rate increase in nearly thirty years, making it all the more important to have correct dimensional weight calculations for accurate shipping costs of parcels. The adjustment is scheduled to take effect on June 23, 2019.
With more than 9.84 billion parcels distributed worldwide between 2015 and 2017 alone, these changes represent a much-needed lift for USPS, which has been losing billions of dollars per year..
Take a look at the new USPS dimensional weight rates here.
Having incorrect weight or USPS package dimensions data leads to unexpectedly higher shipping charges, creating delays in the supply chain. Inaccurate package dimensions also lead to increased customer chargebacks and unpleasant surprises.
As the new Dim Weight standards are implemented, it’s important to understand the new rates. Here’s what shippers need to know.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight (DIM) is a pricing technique used by mailing and shipping companies to insure that they are paid fairly for the space occupied by the shipments. After all, transport companies really only sell (or rent) space on their vehicles. Dim Weight is used to determine the billable weight of packages by comparing their cubic volume, or space, with their actual weight. Dimensional weight pricing is usually applied to light commodities that take up space, such as toys. The result of using Dim Weight is that shippers of very light products will be required to pay for the space their packages take up in transit regardless of the physical weight.
When applied, if the USPS package dimensions result in a dimensional weight greater than its physical weight, shippers must pay for the higher of the two. The 2024 USPS package dimensional weight changes will apply to all US domestic Priority Mail, Express, and non-Lightweight Parcel Select packages over one cubic foot.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
Since the DIM weight only applies if a package is larger than one cubic foot, you must first determine if your package is more than a cubic foot. For this use this formula below:
(Length x Width x Height) / 1728 (all figures should be in inches)
Multiplying L x W x H calculates the total volume in cubic inches. The cubic inch total is then divided by 1728 because there are 1728 cubic inches in one cubic foot. If your result is greater than one, you’ll be charged using dimensional weight. To determine the Dim Weight just divide the package volume, in cubic inches, by USPS’ volumetric divisor, which is 194.
(Length x Width x Height) / 194 (all figures should be in inches)
If the result is higher than the physical weight of the package, you’ll be charged for the dimensional weight. If it is less then you’ll be charged the physical weight.
USPS will actively verify both weight and package dimensions of any package over one cubic foot in volume. If either weight or dimensions are inaccurate, they will adjust shipment charges based on the actual weight and dims. Shippers who frequently omit or misstate weight and/or dimensions may face penalty fees from USPS. Avoid unexpected upcharges and potential penalties by getting it RIGHT from the start.
Calculate USPS package dimensional weight instantly
For shippers of light commodities that take up space, the USPS dimensional weight may result in increased charges. Such increases have been estimated to be as much as 20% or more. You should know up front if your shipments might be subject to such increases. How? Verify the weight and dimensions of YOUR shipments.
Weighing and measuring all your shipments may take time, but given the consequences of not doing so, these precautions are well worth the effort. This is especially true if you use tools that can shorten the process, such as a Digital Tape Measure or Package Dimensioner.
Measuring with an ordinary tape measure or ruler takes time and leaves room for human error. Cubetape is an easy-to-use, time-efficient device that eliminates most human error. With Cubetape’s barcode-labeled tape and barcode scanner, accurate to 1/10th of an inch, dimensions are recorded and stored until uploaded, eliminating the need to remember or manually record dimensions.
Cubetape allows you to quickly and easily determine USPS package dimensions and assess potential DIM weight charges. Once identified, packages may be re-engineered to reduce their volume and lower shipping costs. Smaller packages mean less DIM weight, resulting in savings across your business.
Right sizing your packaging is critical to avoid DIM weight charges whenever possible and help you reduce shipping costs.
BOTTOM LINE: You must have the accurate dimensions for valid calculations
This change in how USPS calculates rates for large or bulky packages makes it crucial for merchants to access accurate USPS package dimensions.
Only with this verified information will you have a chance to insure your packages are just the right size for the product. It will give you control over the USPS application of Dim Weight pricing. It may be unavoidable, but at least you will know about it up front, and eliminate or reduce if with smaller packages when possible.
Remember that even if you miscalculate the dimensional weight costs, the automated systems used by the USPS will catch it and your postage account will still get debited.
Cubetape is a convenient, handheld Package Dimensioner that provides 100% accurate shipping costs for all freight types. Get yours now to simplify and save on shipping.
