Freight Glossary
Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing method that calculates a shipment's billable weight based on its cubic size rather than its actual scale weight, using a standard divisor. Carriers charge whichever is greater, actual weight or DIM weight. A box of pillows weighing 10 pounds but occupying 8 cubic feet might bill at 40 pounds under a standard DIM divisor.
Why it matters
Light but bulky freight, like pillows, foam, or assembled furniture, often triggers DIM weight pricing, dramatically increasing shipping costs beyond what shippers expect when they only look at scale weight. For ecommerce brands shipping oversized but lightweight products, DIM weight adjustments can double the effective per unit freight cost.
When to use it
Calculate DIM weight before shipping any product that is large relative to its mass. If the DIM weight exceeds actual weight, your carrier will bill on the higher figure. Packaging optimization is critical here: reducing box dimensions by even two inches per side can drop DIM weight enough to change the billing tier.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp's per-pallet pricing sidesteps DIM weight calculations for middle-mile moves. Shippers pay by the pallet space used, not by a weight-based formula that penalizes low-density products. This is especially valuable for brands shipping lightweight goods like pet beds, paper products, or seasonal decor through Warp's 50+ cross-docks.