Dimensional Weight
Dimensional Weight, also called Volumetric Weight, is a pricing method used in air freight and courier services to account for the space a shipment takes up, not just how much it weighs. Since aircraft and express vehicles have limited space, carriers use dimensional weight to ensure that large but lightweight shipments are priced fairly. It prevents bulky cargo from being charged too little when it occupies significant space.
To calculate dimensional weight, carriers use a formula based on the shipment’s length, width, and height, divided by a standard dimensional factor. If this calculated weight is higher than the actual weight, it becomes the chargeable weight for billing. This helps carriers manage capacity effectively and keeps pricing consistent across different types of cargo.
For shippers, understanding dimensional weight is essential to avoid unexpected costs. Many shipments that look light may still be billed at a higher rate because of their size. By optimizing packaging—reducing space or choosing more compact materials—shippers can lower the volumetric weight and reduce freight charges.
Overall, dimensional weight ensures fair pricing, efficient space usage, and predictable rate calculations in the air and courier industry. It encourages shippers to pack smarter and helps carriers maintain balanced, accurate freight billing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dimensional Weight
Clear answers to the most common questions people have when learning about Dimensional Weight.
Because aircraft space is limited, dimensional weight ensures large but lightweight shipments are billed based on the space they occupy, not only their physical weight.
By optimizing packaging, removing excess space, using smaller boxes, or redesigning packing to be more compact and space-efficient
It is mainly used in air and courier transport, though some express and e-commerce carriers also apply it for road shipments with volume-heavy cargo.