Three different measurements
- Actual weightThe physical scale weight of the packed handling unit.
- Dimensional or volumetric weightA calculated weight based on outside volume divided by a factor set for the service, carrier, lane or mode.
- Billable or chargeable weightThe weight used to rate the shipment under the applicable terms. It is often the greater of actual and dimensional weight, but minimums, rounding, palletization, positions and other rules can also apply.
The basic calculation
Measure the greatest outside dimensions after packing. Include the pallet, wrapping, handles and projections. Use one unit system throughout and apply the divisor published for the exact service.
Length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ service divisor = dimensional kgLength (in) × width (in) × height (in) ÷ service divisor = dimensional lbIllustration only: at a divisor of 5,000, a 60 × 40 × 40 cm package has a dimensional weight of 19.2 kg. A carrier’s rounding rules may change the rated figure. Do not use this example as a quote.
There is no universal divisor
Published carrier guidance demonstrates why the service must be checked. FedEx Canada currently shows 5,000 cm³/kg for the package services described on its dimensional-weight page. UPS Canada currently lists 4,100 cm³/kg for domestic Air packages and 5,000 cm³/kg for other packages on its Canadian guidance.
Air freight, ocean freight, LTL, courier and dedicated equipment may use different conversion factors, weight/measure methods, minimum charges or space calculations. Contract rates can also differ from public guides, and carriers can change their terms.
Send accurate rating inputs
- Weigh each fully packed handling unit on a suitable scale.
- Measure the greatest outside length, width and height after palletizing or crating.
- List every unit separately when sizes or weights differ.
- State whether pieces are stackable and identify anything that overhangs the pallet.
- Recheck the final packed shipment when the quote used estimates.
Carrier remeasurement can lead to a correction when the tendered freight differs from the booked dimensions, weight, packaging or stackability.
Reduce avoidable volume
- Choose packaging that protects the goods without leaving unnecessary empty space.
- Keep cartons within the pallet footprint when possible and safe.
- Remove unused pallet height and avoid projections that prevent adjacent loading.
- Do not reduce protection simply to lower volume; damage risk and carrier packaging rules still matter.
Primary sources
Primary sources
Use these links to verify current rules and carrier guidance before a shipment moves.