Wondering what dimensional (DIM) weight is and how it factors into your international shipping costs?
Here's an easy-to-understand explanation.
DIM weight, or dimensional weight, refers to a billing technique that takes into account the package's size rather than its actual or "gross" weight. When determining the cost of an international shipment, carriers charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the DIM weight. This is done to account for the space a package will occupy during transit relative to its weight.
As a practical example, let's consider a 2lb pillow with large dimensions such as 18x30x4 inches. Given its size, a carrier may bill the shipment as if it weighs 16 lbs. It's important to note, however, that the DIM weight calculations vary across different carriers.
The Dimensional Weight (L x W x H / 139) is greater than the Actual Weight of the package and will be used for rates calculations.
To help you better understand and estimate your shipping costs, here are dimensional weight calculators provided by FedEx and DHL:
At Forwardme, we are committed to making international shipping as transparent and straightforward as possible.