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Intro to Dimensional Packing

Optimize shipping cost accuracy with Dimensional Packing in ShipperHQ

Overview

Dimensional Packing helps you calculate the most accurate shipping rates possible. It's key when using live rate carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL, or when using USPS Flat Rate boxes.

ShipperHQ factors in both actual weight and dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight) to price shipments the same way carriers do. This precision helps you avoid undercharging or overcharging customers at checkout.

This guide explains what Dimensional Packing is, how it works in ShipperHQ, and why it matters. For detailed setup steps, see How to set up Dimensional Packing. 

Table of Contents

How Dimensional Rating Works

Carriers calculate rates based on actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater.

  • Actual Weight: The physical weight of the package.
  • Dimensional Weight: A calculated weight representing how much space the package occupies. 

Dimensional Weight is determined by dividing the package's volume (Length x Width x Height) by a dimensional divisor – typically 139 for UPS, FedEx, and most major carriers. The highest value (actual weight or dimensional weight) is the one carriers use.

Example: An 11in x 8in x 9in package with an Actual Weight of 4 lbs and a Dimensional Weight of 6 lbs ((11 x 8 x 9)/139 = 5.7 rounded up = 6) is rated on its Dimensional Weight

Many eCommerce platforms calculate rates using only actual weight, or apply box dimensions that don’t reflect how your team actually ships. This can lead to inaccurate rates or higher fulfillment costs, especially for bulky but lightweight products or mixed carts with products of different sizes. 

ShipperHQ’s Dimensional Packing offers more control and precision, letting you set different boxes based on carriers or products, add packing weight and padding, or apply rules (like ship separately) for specific products and cart combinations. This helps you control your shipping rates and reduce fulfillment costs, no matter how complex your shipping.

How Dimensional Packing Works in ShipperHQ

ShipperHQ’s Dimensional Packing feature follows these steps to calculate accurate shipping rates for every cart:

  1. Review Product Data – ShipperHQ pulls product dimensions and weight from your eCommerce platform. 
  2. Apply Boxes and Rules – It references any defined boxes, pallets, or packing rules you’ve set in ShipperHQ to determine how items should be packed. 
  3. Use the Best-Fit Algorithm – ShipperHQ uses its best-fit algorithm to ensure the most efficient packing configuration, combining items when possible to cut waste and costs. 
  4. Send Data to Carrier – For live-rate carriers, packing data is sent via API to return rates based on either actual or dimensional weight (whichever is greater).
    • For custom rate carriers, ShipperHQ uses your own table rates or rules to calculate the cost based on package dimensions.
  5. Show Accurate Rates – ShipperHQ displays real-time rates at checkout for a fast, smooth customer experience. 

💡 All of this happens automatically, within milliseconds.

Why Use Dimensional Packing

Without dimensional packing, merchants often undercharge for large but lightweight items. They're surprised when their carrier bill is higher than expected. 

With ShipperHQ’s Dimensional Packing, you can charge customers the right rates and end surprise fees.

Explore various shipping scenarios and strategies in our knowledge base articles to see what’s possible with Dimensional Packing. 

Additional Resources