FedEx and UPS - Dimensional Weight Divisor
Are you a business owner or an individual who frequently ships packages with FedEx or UPS? If so, you may have heard about the dimensional weight divisor and the recent biggest rate increase announced by these shipping giants. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the concept of dimensional weight, the divisor used by FedEx and UPS, and how this can significantly impact your shipping costs.
Understanding Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, is a calculation method used by shipping companies to determine the size of a package relative to its actual weight. Traditional weight-based pricing models focus solely on the package's weight, but with dimensional weight, the size and volume of the package are also considered.
Why is dimensional weight important? Let's say you need to ship a lightweight, but bulky item such as a pillow. The size and volume of the package may take up a significant amount of space in a delivery truck or plane, reducing the capacity to transport other packages. As a result, shipping companies need to account for this reduced efficiency and ensure fair pricing.
The Dimensional Weight Divisor
FedEx and UPS utilize a dimensional weight divisor to calculate the dimensional weight of a package. This divisor is a crucial factor that determines how your package's volumetric weight is calculated.
Previously, both companies used a dimensional weight divisor of 166, meaning they would divide the cubic volume of a package by 166 to determine its dimensional weight in pounds. However, as part of the recent rate increase, FedEx and UPS have shifted to a lower divisor of 139.
This change has significant implications for businesses and individuals who ship lightweight but bulky items. The lower divisor means the dimensional weight of your package will be higher, potentially resulting in higher shipping costs.
Optimizing Your Shipping Costs
Now that you understand the dimensional weight divisor and its impact on your shipping costs, you might be wondering how you can optimize and minimize expenses.
1. Minimize Packaging
One effective way to reduce dimensional weight is to minimize packaging whenever possible. Use appropriately sized boxes and padding materials that provide adequate protection while minimizing unnecessary extra space.
2. Choose Efficient Packaging Materials
Consider using lightweight yet sturdy packaging materials. Opt for bubble mailers, thin boxes, or flexible envelopes wherever suitable. This approach can help reduce the overall weight of your package while maintaining its structural integrity.
3. Utilize Custom Packaging Solutions
If you frequently ship items of varying sizes and shapes, consider investing in custom packaging solutions. These solutions are designed to maximize space utilization, ensuring your packages occupy the least amount of volume possible.
4. Opt for Consolidated Shipments
If your business frequently ships multiple packages to the same destination, you may benefit from consolidated shipments. Consolidating multiple small packages into one larger shipment can help reduce dimensional weight and overall shipping costs.
5. Negotiate with Carriers
Don't be afraid to negotiate with shipping carriers to secure favorable pricing. If you regularly ship a substantial volume of packages, you may be eligible for discounted rates or customized pricing agreements that consider your specific shipping requirements.
Stay Informed and Adapt
As a business owner or individual shipper, it's crucial to stay informed about changes in dimensional weight divisors and shipping regulations. By staying up to date, you can better adapt your shipping strategies and keep your costs in check.
Remember, the dimensional weight divisor is just one aspect of shipping costs, and there may be other factors to consider, such as surcharges, fuel costs, and additional services. However, understanding and optimizing dimensional weight will undoubtedly help you save on shipping expenses.
