Who would have thought there is more than one way to weigh a package, right? But there is! See how.
Shipment Weight: Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight and what is Billable Weight?
Who would have thought there is more than one way to look at shipment weight, right? But there is! When reviewing shipment weight we look at actual weight, dimensional weight and what that means in regards to billable weight.
Actual Weight is exactly what the product weighs including packaging.
Dimensional Weight takes into account the length, width & height of the package that you are shipping. With different formulas the “dimmed” weight can be calculated and if it is higher than the actual weight that will then become the “billable weight”. Learn how to calculate dimensional weight for our partnered couriers – click here.
Billable Weight is defined as the greater of the two weights (actual vs. dimensional) and this will be used to calculate the shipping rate.
TIP: for all FlagShip customers, it’s extremely important when creating a new shipment to always include accurate dimensions (dimensional weight) of your shipments to avoid any unexpected charges levied from the couriers when the packages are scanned through their conveyor system.
If you have any questions on shipment weight, please contact our customer service team at 1-866-320-8383 or support@flagshipcompany.com.
Shipment Weight: Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight and what is Billable Weight?
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Understanding Shipment Weight: How to Optimize Your Shipping Costs
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Table of Contents
- Introduction to Shipment Weight
- Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
- The Impact of Billable Weight on Shipping Costs
- How to Calculate Dimensional Weight
- Strategies to Optimize Shipment Weight
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Additional Resources
When it comes to shipping, understanding the concept of shipment weight is crucial for optimizing costs and improving efficiency. Shipment weight includes actual weight and dimensional weight, which together determine the billable weight used by carriers to calculate shipping charges.
Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
Actual Weight
Actual weight refers to the weight of the package as measured on a scale. It’s straightforward but not the only factor considered by carriers.
Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight, on the other hand, considers the size of the package. Carriers use a dimensional weight factor to calculate this, which is essential for large but lightweight packages.
| Weight Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Actual Weight | The physical weight of the package as measured on a scale. |
| Dimensional Weight | Calculated using the package dimensions and a dimensional weight factor. |
The Impact of Billable Weight on Shipping Costs
Billable weight is the greater of the actual weight and dimensional weight. Carriers use this to determine shipping costs, ensuring they account for both weight and space utilization in their vehicles.
How to Calculate Dimensional Weight
To calculate dimensional weight, use the following formula:
Dimensional Weight (lbs) = (Length x Width x Height) / Dimensional Factor
For example, if a package measures 20 x 15 x 10 inches and the dimensional factor is 139, the dimensional weight would be:
Dimensional Weight = (20 x 15 x 10) / 139 ≈ 21.6 lbs
Always compare this with the actual weight to determine the billable weight.
Strategies to Optimize Shipment Weight
- Use Proper Packaging
Choose packaging that fits the product snugly to reduce dimensional weight. Avoid oversized boxes that add unnecessary dimensional weight. - Consolidate Shipments
Combine multiple items into a single shipment where possible to maximize space efficiency and reduce the overall shipment weight. - Choose the Right Carrier
Different carriers have different dimensional weight factors and pricing structures. Use our online shipping system to compare rates and choose the best option for your shipment weight.
Understanding shipment weight and its components is essential for optimizing your shipping strategy. By accurately calculating and managing your shipment weight, you can reduce costs and improve efficiency.
If you have any questions about comparing shipping rates, please feel free to reach out to our team at support@flagshipcompany.com or call us at 1-866-320-8383. We are here to help you optimize your shipping costs and increase your business profits.
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