How to Save on Product Shipping: Calculate your Dimensional Weight

As eCommerce continues to grow, so do the product shipping networks that help support the logistics of eCommerce.

Weight & Size Factors In Product Shipping

Shipping carriers such as UPS and FedEx have become more sophisticated in the manner in which they charge customers for shipments. Traditionally, weight has been the most important factor in determining the shipping price of a given parcel. However, this trend has changed over the past few years.

Carriers are now looking more at the size of a parcel than merely the weights of its contents. A heavy, yet small rock in a small box is much easier to ship than a piece of jewellery placed in a very large box, even if the rock weighs more. The smaller the package, the less space it takes up in a truck, therefore the fewer resources it uses to be shipped by a carrier.

How does this impact product shipping?

It is important for businesses to understand the calculations used by your carriers of choice. Each carrier has a formula whereby they choose whether to price shipping based on the weight OR dimensions of the product. 

This information is readily available and can be found on the carrier websites, or by asking your shipping representative. Once these formulas are understood, it is important to find the best packaging available in order to minimize empty space within your shipment. In minimizing the size of your packaging, you will reduce your shipping costs and add to your business bottom line!

Shipfusion sets your business on autopilot and combines flexible, reliable fulfillment with powerful, real-time technology. Shipfusion has multiple fulfillment centers across the US and Canada– making it easy to manage your eCommerce business. For more information on how to set your business on autopilot, contact one of our fulfillment specialists today.