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Dimensional Weight
Definition
Dimensional weight is a billing weight calculated from a package's size, length x width x height divided by a carrier's divisor; carriers charge the higher of dimensional and actual weight.
What it means
The divisor is set by the carrier. The U.S. Postal Service, for example, divides by 139 cubic inches per pound for parcels over one cubic foot from July 12, 2026,[1] and 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram is the common air cargo standard.[2]
Dimensional weight is mainly a parcel and air concept. LTL freight is usually priced by freight class and weight, where density does a similar job. The dimensional weight calculator shows actual, dimensional and chargeable weight side by side.
Related
Related terms
- Freight DensityFreight density is the weight of a handling unit divided by the space it occupies, usually stated in pounds...Glossary
- Freight ClassFreight class is the category from 50 to 500 that the National Motor Freight Classification assigns to a...Glossary
- Cubic MeterA cubic meter (CBM) is the unit of volume used across ocean freight: a space 1 meter long, 1 meter wide and 1...Glossary
Sources
- U.S. Postal Service, “Postal Bulletin 22705: Dimensional Weight (DIM) Changes, effective July 12, 2026,” Government publication. Accessed September 2026.
- Maersk, “Air cargo chargeable weight,” Carrier publication. Accessed September 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.