Dimensional weight / Volumetric weight (Dim weight)

To ship large items which are not very heavy, freight companies often charge dimensional weight or volumetric weight (DIM weight).

Basically they argue the box is so big, that it takes up too much space, and so you should pay more to ship the product than just its weight. 

If the volumetric weight you calculate is higher than the actual weight, then you must enter the volumetric weight in the weight field of your product.

Sample Formula:

Multiply the parcel's three dimensions (length x height x width). Then divide the result by the value provided by your freight company.

Depending on your service provider, the dimensions are calculated in either centimeters or inches.

For example for DHL Express the value is 5000, so the simple calculation is

Length*width*height/5000

Example:

Length:  80cm |  Width: 40cm |  Height: 25cm.

80x40x25 = 80,000

80,000 / 5000 = 16

So if the weight of your parcel is less than 16 kilograms, you must enter the calculated weight in the weight field of your product.

Your freight company will let you know which calculation factor to use.

Maximum shipping sizes

If a product gets too large, some shipping companies can not transport it.

Usually this is calculated by establishing a maximum length and a maximum girdle or circumference.

To work out the circumference of your product simply multiply width and height of the parcel with each other.