In the air freight industry, shipment cost is determined by either the actual gross weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater. Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, considers the package’s volume in relation to its weight. This is crucial because lightweight, bulky items can take up more space in the aircraft than heavier, smaller items. A standard calculation involves multiplying the length, width, and height of the package (in centimeters or inches) and dividing by a volumetric divisor (also known as a DIM factor), which is set by the airline or carrier. For example, a box measuring 50cm x 40cm x 30cm, divided by a common divisor of 6000, would have a dimensional weight of 10 kg.
Using dimensional weight ensures fair pricing for both the shipper and the carrier. Without it, carriers would be at a disadvantage transporting low-density goods. This system also incentivizes shippers to optimize packaging to reduce volume and potentially lower shipping costs. Originally, airlines primarily considered actual weight. However, as cargo volumes increased and aircraft space became more valuable, dimensional weight became a necessary component of pricing structures to accurately reflect the space occupied by each shipment.
