Shipping Logistics: Calculate dimensional weight shipping rates

Size matters

Space is a scarce resource in transport and reflects the real cost structure. Planes, trucks and containers often get full before they reach their limitation in weight which is why volume is becoming the new norm for calculating shipping costs.

Dimensional weight vs weight = chargeable weight
Most major transport companies today calculate the dimensional weight (also referred to as volumetric weight) and compare it to the actual gross weight. The greater of the two is used as the chargeable weight.

How to calculate dimensional weight
Calculating dimensional weight is based on determining the cubic size of an object and dividing that number by a dimensional factor. The factor is based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, but can vary from domestic, to international freight and from customer to customer.

For measuring dimensional weight METTLER TOLEDO has dimensioners for every sector of the Transport and Logistics industry.

Find out more about pallet dimensioners and data capture

Find out more about parcel dimensioners and data capture

Learn more about how the big players in transport do their calculations in detail, by logging onto their web-sites:

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