Glossary Term
Dead Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
Dead weight is the actual weight of a package on a scale, while dimensional weight (Dim Weight) is a pricing technique used by carriers based on the volume of the box.
Why the Size of Your Box Matters
Carriers like UPS and FedEx don’t just care about how heavy your box is; they care about how much room it takes up on the plane or truck. If you ship a giant box full of feathers, you will be charged for its volume (Dimensional Weight), not its actual weight (Dead Weight).
The "Billable Weight" Trap
The shipping cost is always calculated based on whichever weight is higher. If your dead weight is 5 lbs but your dimensional weight is 12 lbs, you pay for 12 lbs. This is why using the smallest possible box is the easiest way to increase your profit margins.
- Dead Weight: Actual scale weight.
- Dim Weight: (Length x Width x Height) / Divisor.
- Billable Weight: The higher of the two.