Recent changes to delivery carrier mailing and shipping rates have made it increasingly important to ensure correct package dimensions are used to calculate shipping costs. With domestic parcel traffic increasing every year, most carriers now calculate shipping rates based on the dimensional weight of a package. Using a package dimensioner or a Digital Tape Measure is an effective way to accurately capture package dimensions to meet these requirements.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight or DIM weight) is the practice of calculating shipping costs based on the amount of space a package takes up in transit rather than its actual weight. If your package dimensions occupy more space than their physical weight, you’ll be charged for that space. A package dimensioner makes it simple to capture this data accurately and efficiently. Additionally, a Freight Class Calculator can help you determine the best shipping class based on package characteristics, which may further reduce costs.
The dimensional weight of your package can be calculated manually or by using an online calculator; however, both can be time-consuming and may disrupt your workflow, introducing potential for error. A package dimensioner automates the process, reducing the risk of miscalculated dimensions and allowing your business to avoid costly mistakes.
Tips to reduce DIM costs
- Get accurate dimensioning solution
The first step to reducing your shipping costs is to record accurate dimensions every time. Using a package dimensioner like Cubetape is one of the best mobile dimensioning devices on the market, , allows you to quickly capture package dimensions and upload them on the go. - Use the right box size
Choose appropriately sized boxes for your product to avoid unnecessary empty space, which can inflate package dimensions and increase costs. - Consider multiple carriers
Carrier shipping rates vary and this can be taken advantage of by using the most cost-effective carrier for different packages to optimize your shipping. For example, USPS offers the lowest rates for small domestic deliveries while UPS and FedEx are great for larger packages. With a portable device like Cubetape, you can calculate the cheapest freight costs quickly. - Use a device to prevent unnecessary chargeback
Customers can request a chargeback when they collect their parcels at the end of the freight route, particularly if they have been charged an amount for shipping that does not match expectations. Or if the parcel size differs from their initial transaction. A package dimensioner like Cubetape ensures accurate measurements, minimizing customer disputes. The variances can often come from human error or courier audit. Cubetape provides accurate dimensions, which greatly reduces the number of end of line chargebacks.
Cubetape provides accurate and fast shipping cost calculations for all freight types. It helps prevent the problem of back charges and customer disputes, because your dimensional data can be verified by customers, thus helping to avoid disputes. Delivering better results for both your customers and your business.
Furthermore, the recorded dimensions can be valuable documentation to avoid post shipment billing adjustments by courier companies.
Faster and more accurate package dimensions
Cubetape captures the dimensions of parcels over and above a standard tape measure by recording and automatically uploading the data for all freight types. This eliminates the need to manually enter the length, width, and height of different products into shipping software and online calculators. Our customers use Cubetape to streamline the process of shipping, which saves time and money.
Calculating precise dimensional weight for parcels is particularly challenging when shipping a large volume of products. A package dimensioner like Cubetape quickly and accurately updates parcel data into any shipping system, minimizing manual entry errors. This results in a more reliable, cost-effective shipping process and ultimately enhances the success of your shipments.
Cubetape, updates parcel dimensional data into any shipping system quickly, efficiently and accurately. Every measurement taken with a Cubetape automatically provides your courier with the correct information. This eliminates any human error that may occur when recording tape measurements with a pen and paper, as well as reducing the amount of time lost in the shipping process.
It is not uncommon for operators to make typing errors. So, a dimension of 2 inches can accidentally be inputted as 20 inches. Which means extra delays or extra unnecessary freight charges. Cubetape captures data and dimensions precisely.
Cubetape quickly and easily measures small and large objects. What’s more, it limits the need to shift and move bulky objects. This makes Cubetape the ultimate back charge prevention for shippers, saving your business time and money.
