How to calculate the dimensional weight for an LTL shipment?
4 minutes reading
LTL shipment: Dimensional weight
Why
The shipping costs is typically calculated by taking the highest between the dimensional weight and the actual weight. This is referred to as the chargeable weight (billable weight).
How
Calculating the dimensional weight for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments follows a similar process to that of calculating dimensional weight for small packages. However, there are some differences due to the nature of LTL shipping, where multiple shipments are consolidated onto a single truck.
DIM weight = pallet length in inches x pallet width in inches x pallet height in inches
DIM divisor
1- Measure the Shipment: Measure the length, width, and height of the shipment in inches or centimeters. Round each measurement to the nearest whole number.
2- Calculate the Volume: Multiply the length by the width by the height to obtain the volume of the shipment in cubic inches or cubic centimeters.
3- To convert the volume to cubic feet: divide the cubic inches by 1,728 (12 x 12 x 12), which is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot.
4- To convert the volume to cubic meters: divide the cubic centimeters by 1,000,000 (100 x 100 x 100), which is the number of cubic centimeters in a cubic meter.
5- Determine the Dim Factor: Similar to small package shipments, the dim factor for LTL shipments represents the amount of weight per unit of volume used to calculate the dimensional weight. Because LTL carriers often have their specific dim factor, you'll need to obtain the dim factor from the LTL carrier you are using. The most frequently dim factor used is 10 lbs per cubic feet.
6- Calculate the Cubic Weight: Multiply the volume in cubic feet or cubic meters by the dim factor provided by the LTL carrier. The result is the dimensional weight of the LTL shipment. If you have multiple handling units, add all the dimensions together.
7- Compare Actual Weight and Dimensional Weight: Compare the actual weight of the LTL shipment (in pounds or kilograms) with the calculated dimensional weight. The higher of the two weights is typically used as the chargeable weight (billable weight) for determining the shipping cost. If you have multiple handling units, use the total dimensional weight and compare it with the total actual weight.
It's important to note that each LTL carrier may have its own specific guidelines for calculating dimensional weight. It's advisable to consult the specific carrier or refer to their documentation to ensure accurate calculations and determine the chargeable weight for your LTL shipment.
