Dimensional Weight
Billable Weight
0 lbs
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💡 Quick Tip
Measure your box in inches. If DIM weight exceeds actual weight, you're paying for empty air. Cut that box down!
📚 Dimensional Weight Knowledge Base
📦 What is Dimensional Weight?
The "Air Tax" - You pay for space, not just weight.
Carriers realized that a huge box of pillows takes up truck space even if it weighs 2lbs. So they invented DIM weight to charge you for the BOX size.
Formula: (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 166 = DIM Weight
You pay whichever is HIGHER: Actual weight OR DIM weight
You pay whichever is HIGHER: Actual weight OR DIM weight
Example: A 20×15×10 box = 3,000 cubic inches ÷ 166 = 18 lbs DIM weight. Even if your item weighs 5lbs, you pay for 18lbs!
💡 How to Avoid DIM Charges
1. Cut your boxes down. A box cutter and tape can turn a 16×12×8 into a 16×12×4. That's HALF the DIM weight.
2. Use poly mailers. Soft goods (clothing, plush) don't need boxes. Poly mailers have no DIM weight.
3. Use Flat Rate when it wins. USPS Flat Rate ignores weight AND size. A 20lb item in a Medium Flat Rate Box = $17.10 anywhere.
2. Use poly mailers. Soft goods (clothing, plush) don't need boxes. Poly mailers have no DIM weight.
3. Use Flat Rate when it wins. USPS Flat Rate ignores weight AND size. A 20lb item in a Medium Flat Rate Box = $17.10 anywhere.
⚠️ The 166 Divisor: UPS/FedEx use 139 for daily rates (worse for you). Always calculate with YOUR carrier's divisor.
🧮 Box Size Sweet Spots
Memorize these DIM breakpoints:
- Under 1 DIM lb: Any box under 166 cubic inches (roughly 5×5×6)
- Under 5 DIM lbs: 830 cubic inches (roughly 10×10×8)
- Under 10 DIM lbs: 1,660 cubic inches (roughly 12×12×11)
The Shoe Box Rule: A standard shoe box is roughly 13×8×5 = 520 cubic inches = ~3 DIM lbs. Perfect for most footwear without overpaying.