Billable Weight
When it comes to pricing, carriers employ a concept known as billable weight. This calculation takes into account both the actual weight of the shipment and its dimensional weight (DIM weight). Carriers round up to the next whole pound (e.g. 1.01 Lbs = 2 Lbs.)
Actual weight vs DIM Weight
Actual Weight: This refers to the physical weight of the shipment, including the product and its packaging.
Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight): DIM weight considers the package’s size—its length, width, and height—in relation to its weight. Dim Divisot table below
DIM weight formula: (Length x Width x Height) / DIM Divisor.
Example: 10x10x10 box shipping international = (10*10*10) / 139 = 8 lbs (carriers round to the next whole pound).
DIM Divisor
Atomix Service | DIM Divisor |
Economy | 166 |
Ground | 166 |
Expedited | 194 |
International | 139 |
Carrier DIM Divisors
UPS Ground Services- 139
Fedex Ground Services- 139
Billable Weight Calculation
The billable weight is determined by comparing the actual weight and the DIM weight. Whichever value is greater becomes the billable weight for that shipment.
In essence:
Billable Weight=
max of (Actual Weight, DIM Weight)
How Carriers Calculate Billable Weight
Let’s break down how some carriers calculate billable weight:
UPS and FedEx:
They use the greater of actual weight and DIM weight.
DIM weight formula: (Length x Width x Height) / DIM Divisor.
DIM divisor varies based on the carrier and service level.
DHL:
Similar to UPS and FedEx, DHL uses the greater of actual weight and DIM weight.
DIM weight formula: (Length x Width x Height) / DIM Divisor.
USPS:
USPS exclusively uses actual weight for pricing.