DIM weight
DIM weight (dimensional weight, also "dim weight") is a billing weight calculated from a shipment's volume rather than its actual weight. For low-density freight (light but bulky), carriers charge based on the larger of (a) actual weight or (b) cubic dimensions converted to a "billable weight" via a dim divisor. For LTL, this often triggers a freight class reclassification at the carrier's terminal — adding cost.
Why it matters
DIM weight is one of the top sources of LTL invoice surprises. A pallet that looks light but takes up a lot of space gets reclassified at the terminal, and the rebill can be 50-100% higher than the quoted rate. For parcel carriers (FedEx, UPS), dim weight has been the default billing model since 2015 — every package over a threshold size pays the dim rate.
When to use it
When quoting LTL freight, always verify pallet dimensions (L×W×H) match the NMFC class declaration. For shipments with low density (under 4 lbs/cubic foot), expect dim-weight reclassification unless you book per-pallet pricing instead.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp prices per-pallet, not per cubic foot. There is no dim-weight calculation, no density-based reclassification, no terminal inspection rebill risk. The rate quoted at booking is the rate on the invoice.
Frequently asked questions about dim weight
What is dim weight?
DIM weight (dimensional weight, also "dim weight") is a billing weight calculated from a shipment's volume rather than its actual weight. For low-density freight (light but bulky), carriers charge based on the larger of (a) actual weight or (b) cubic dimensions converted to a "billable weight" via a dim divisor. For LTL, this often triggers a freight class reclassification at the carrier's terminal — adding cost.
Why does dim weight matter in freight?
DIM weight is one of the top sources of LTL invoice surprises. A pallet that looks light but takes up a lot of space gets reclassified at the terminal, and the rebill can be 50-100% higher than the quoted rate. For parcel carriers (FedEx, UPS), dim weight has been the default billing model since 2015 — every package over a threshold size pays the dim rate.
When should you use dim weight?
When quoting LTL freight, always verify pallet dimensions (L×W×H) match the NMFC class declaration. For shipments with low density (under 4 lbs/cubic foot), expect dim-weight reclassification unless you book per-pallet pricing instead.
How does Warp handle dim weight?
Warp prices per-pallet, not per cubic foot. There is no dim-weight calculation, no density-based reclassification, no terminal inspection rebill risk. The rate quoted at booking is the rate on the invoice.