Dimensional (DIM) weight pricing is the carriers’ way of encouraging parcel shippers to optimize box sizes. We also like to call this billable weight. This discourages wasted space inside the boxes, which destroys room in their trucks. The package’s DIM weight replaces the billable weight if it’s higher than the physical weight. For standard FedEx DIM weight calculation, the DIM weight divisor is 139 for ground and express domestic shipping and international shipments.
Transportation charges will be assessed based on dimensional weight, a volumetric standard. Dimensional-weight pricing applies on a per-package or per-shipment basis to all shipments in customer packaging. Customer and FedEx packaging is subject to dimensional-weight pricing. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges are based on the dimensional weight. Clients who fail to apply the dimensional-weight calculation to a package may be assessed for dimensional-weight charges by FedEx.
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What is Dimensional Weight?
All shippers must now consider FedEx’s dimensional weight. This will negatively affect e-commerce business owners who ship large, lightweight packages. The package’s DIM weight will be high, and its actual weight will be low.
FedEx DIM weight is a calculated weight based on the amount of space a package occupies rather than its actual scale weight. FedEx compares the package’s DIM weight with its actual weight and generally uses the greater weight to determine the applicable shipping charge. For U.S. shipments measured in inches and pounds, the DIM divisor is 139.
Dimensional Weight = Package Volume / DIM weight factor
FedEx Dimensional Weight In Pounds = ( Length x Width x Height ) / 139
FedEx currently explains that dimensional weight reflects the space a package occupies relative to its actual weight, and charges are generally based on whichever is greater: DIM weight or actual weight. For U.S. measurements, FedEx currently publishes a divisor of 139 on its DIM-weight guidance.
To calculate FedEx DIM weight:
- Multiply length by width by height in inches. Round each measurement to the greater whole inch. The resulting total is the cubic size of your package. For example, 1 to 1.99 will be regarded as 2.
- Dividing by 139 for all U.S., Puerto Rico, and international shipments.
DIM Weight Refund
FedEx and UPS calculate the dimensional weight of all packages. Package charges will be for the higher amount of DIM or actual weight. Thus, FedEx DIM weight will cause you to pay for shipping weight that is not even present.
Today’s hall-of-fame post is a dimensional-weight error on a package from New York City. A customer recently sent a heavy package Priority Overnight. The box weighs just over 100 pounds but was billed with a rated weight of over 270 pounds. Based on the dimensions, our calculations find it should have been rated at around 100 pounds instead.
The result of our efforts? The package charge is over $900, but re-rate the application to about $100. Our customer gets a check for an $800+ refund, thanks to our FedEx Express auditing service watching for dim-weight mistakes.
FedEx DIM Weight Example
Suppose a package weighs 20 pounds and measures:
- Length: 24 inches
- Width: 18 inches
- Height: 12 inches
First, calculate the cubic volume:
24 × 18 × 12 = 5,184 cubic inches
Then divide by 139 to find the DIM weight:
5,184 ÷ 139 = 37.3 lbs
The resulting dimensional weight is approximately 38 pounds when rounded to the applicable whole-pound weight. If the package actually weighs only 20 pounds, the DIM weight is significantly higher than the physical weight. That’s when the size of the box can have a major impact on what you pay.
Shipping Reports to help your company
Refund Retriever provides a full suite of shipping reports to help your business cut shipping costs. Reports include mistakes made by FedEx, UPS, or your shipping manager. We will provide information on all your FedEx DIM weight packages at no charge. Therefore, sign up with Refund Retriever and start saving money today.
How Much Is DIM Weight Costing Your Business?
If you ship a meaningful volume of packages, don’t assume that DIM weight is simply a cost of doing business.
Start by asking:
- Which of our products have the highest DIM-weight exposure?
- How often is DIM weight greater than actual weight?
- How much higher is the rated weight?
- Are FedEx’s recorded dimensions consistent with our records?
- Are we using the right packaging?
- Are there billing errors?
- Are our FedEx contract terms competitive for our shipment profile?
These questions can uncover opportunities that aren’t obvious when you’re looking at your total FedEx invoice.
FedEx Smart Post (FedEx Ground Economy) Dim Weight
FedEx Ground Economy has its own rating considerations, so shippers should not assume that every FedEx service follows exactly the same rules in every circumstance.
If you use Ground Economy extensively, review the applicable FedEx service documentation and your contract rather than relying on a generic DIM-weight calculation.
For high-volume Ground Economy shippers, it can also be useful to analyze actual shipment data to determine how dimensional weight is affecting your costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About FedEx DIM Weight
What is FedEx DIM weight?
FedEx DIM weight is a calculated weight based on the amount of space a package occupies. When applicable, FedEx compares dimensional weight with actual weight and uses the greater applicable weight to determine the shipping charge.
What is the FedEx DIM weight formula?
For the standard U.S. calculation shown by FedEx, multiply the package’s length, width, and height in inches and divide by 139.
Length × Width × Height ÷ 139 = DIM weight
What is the FedEx DIM divisor?
The standard divisor shown on FedEx’s current U.S. dimensional-weight guidance is 139. However, shippers should verify the applicable calculation for their specific service, shipment type, Service Guide, and contract.
Does FedEx use actual weight or DIM weight?
When dimensional weight applies, FedEx generally charges based on the greater applicable dimensional or actual weight.
Can FedEx DIM weight charges be audited?
Yes. A shipment audit can compare the dimensions, actual weight, rated weight, service, and charges associated with your shipments to identify potential discrepancies and savings opportunities.
Can you get a refund for an incorrect FedEx DIM weight charge?
Potentially. If a shipment was incorrectly rated or billed, the applicable FedEx billing dispute or refund process may provide a path to recover the difference. The specific circumstances and timing requirements matter.
