What Is DIM (Dimensional Weight) Pricing, and How Does It Impact Shipping Costs?

Dimensional (DIM) weight pricing is a carrier pricing model where package volume (size) is factored into shipping rates instead of just weight.

Formula for DIM Weight:

DIM Weight (lbs) = (L x W x H) / DIM Factor

• UPS, FedEx, and USPS use 166 for domestic and 139 for international DIM factor calculations.
• If the DIM weight is greater than the actual weight, you’ll be charged based on the DIM weight.

How DIM Pricing Affects Shipping Costs:

🚀 Light but bulky packages are more expensive to ship.

📦 Carriers charge for wasted space in trucks/planes.

💰 DIM fees can significantly increase shipping costs if not managed properly.

How FirstMile Reduces DIM Fees:

• Carrier Selection: Xparcel dynamically chooses the best-priced carrier based on weight and dimensions.
• Box Optimization: FirstMile helps businesses choose better box sizes to minimize wasted space.
• Regional Carrier Inductions: Some regional carriers have less strict DIM pricing.