Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation

Calculate billable shipping weight and optimize your logistics costs instantly.

What is Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation?

Canpar dimensional weight calculation is a pricing technique used by Canpar Express and other logistics providers to determine the billable cost of a shipment based on the space it occupies rather than just its dead weight. This calculation ensures that carriers are compensated fairly for lightweight, bulky packages that take up significant space in delivery trucks and aircraft.

For eCommerce businesses and logistics managers, understanding canpar dimensional weight calculation is critical. If you ship large, lightweight items (like pillows, lamp shades, or bubble wrap), you may be charged for a weight much higher than what shows on the scale. This is often referred to as "volumetric weight" or "cubing."

The concept is simple: the carrier compares the Actual Weight (gross weight on a scale) against the Dimensional Weight (calculated from volume). The higher of the two becomes the Billable Weight.

Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation Formula

To perform a precise canpar dimensional weight calculation, you must apply a specific mathematical formula that relates the package's cubic volume to a density divisor.

The Core Formula

The standard formula used for Ground and Select services typically follows these structures depending on the unit of measurement:

Imperial (Inches/Lbs):
Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 139

Metric (cm/kg):
Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 5000

Variables Explanation Table

Key Variables in the Calculation

Variable	Meaning	Unit (Imp/Met)	Typical Range
Length (L)	Longest side of the package	Inches / cm	6″ – 108″
Width (W)	Second longest side	Inches / cm	4″ – 60″
Height (H)	Shortest side	Inches / cm	1″ – 60″
Divisor	Density factor set by carrier	Constant	139 or 5000

Note: Always round up measurements to the nearest whole number before calculating, and round the final weight up to the next whole unit (lb or kg) for the final billable weight.

Practical Examples of Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation

Example 1: The "Air" Shipment (Bulky Item)

Imagine you are shipping a large box containing a lightweight foam mattress topper via Canpar.

• Dimensions: 24″ × 20″ × 18″
• Actual Weight: 8 lbs
• Calculation: (24 × 20 × 18) = 8,640 cubic inches.
• Division: 8,640 ÷ 139 = 62.15 lbs.
• Result: Since 62.15 lbs > 8 lbs, the Billable Weight is 63 lbs (rounded up).

In this scenario, the canpar dimensional weight calculation increases the shipping cost by nearly 800% compared to the actual weight.

Example 2: The "Dense" Shipment (Books)

Now consider a small, heavy box of textbooks.

• Dimensions: 10″ × 8″ × 6″
• Actual Weight: 15 lbs
• Calculation: (10 × 8 × 6) = 480 cubic inches.
• Division: 480 ÷ 139 = 3.45 lbs.
• Result: Since 15 lbs > 3.45 lbs, the Billable Weight is 15 lbs.

Here, the actual weight exceeds the dimensional weight, so the calculation does not negatively impact the shipping cost.

How to Use This Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation Tool

1. Select Measurement System: Toggle between Imperial (inches/lbs) or Metric (cm/kg) based on your measuring tape.
2. Enter Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height. Measure the extreme points of the package, including bulges or tape.
3. Enter Actual Weight: Place the package on a scale and input the dead weight.
4. Verify Divisor: The default is set to 139 (Imperial) or 5000 (Metric), which is standard for many Canpar services. Adjust this only if your specific contract specifies a different density factor (e.g., 166).
5. Analyze Results: Look at the highlighted "Billable Weight." This is the number you should enter into the shipping manifesto to avoid audit fees.

Use the dynamic chart to visualize the gap between the physical weight and the volumetric weight. If the "Volumetric" bar is significantly higher, consider repacking the item in a smaller box.

Key Factors That Affect Canpar Dimensional Weight Calculation

Several variables influence the final outcome of a canpar dimensional weight calculation. Understanding these can help you reduce shipping overhead.

• Package Volume: The most obvious factor. Even reducing a box height by 2 inches can significantly lower the billable weight.
• The Divisor (Density Factor): This number determines how "dense" the carrier expects the package to be. A lower divisor (e.g., 139) results in a higher billable weight than a higher divisor (e.g., 166). Negotiating a higher divisor in your shipping contract is a powerful way to save money.
• Rounding Rules: Carriers typically round dimensions to the nearest inch and weights to the next pound. A 12.1″ box becomes 13″ in calculation, potentially adding cost.
• Irregular Shapes: For non-rectangular packages (like tubes or cylinders), Canpar calculates volume based on a rectangular box that would enclose the item, often resulting in "phantom" volume being billed.
• Over-Maximum Limits: If a package exceeds certain length/girth limits, it may incur "Over Max" surcharges regardless of the dimensional weight calculation.
• Fuel Surcharges: Fuel surcharges are applied as a percentage of the base shipping rate. Since dimensional weight increases the base rate, it effectively compounds the fuel surcharge cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Canpar dimensional weight calculation apply to all shipments?

Generally, yes. Most courier services, including Ground and Express, apply volumetric rules. However, very small envelopes or specific flat-rate products might be exempt.

What is the standard divisor for Canpar?

The industry standard often used is 139 for imperial measurements (inches/lbs) and 5000 for metric (cm/kg). Always check your specific rate sheet as this can vary by account type.

Can I reduce my dimensional weight costs?

Yes. You can reduce costs by using the smallest possible box for your item (reducing void fill), switching to poly mailers for non-fragile items, or negotiating a better density divisor with your account rep.

Why is my billable weight higher than the scale weight?

This happens when your package has low density (it's light but large). The carrier charges for the space occupied in the vehicle rather than the dead weight.

How are cylinders or tubes calculated?

For cylinders, measure the length and the diameter. The diameter is treated as both width and height (Volume = Length × Diameter × Diameter), effectively squaring the diameter.

Does dimensional weight affect international shipments?

Yes, international air freight often has stricter dimensional weight rules (sometimes using a divisor of 166 or 139) compared to some domestic ground services.

What happens if I enter the wrong weight?

Canpar utilizes automated scanners that measure dimensions and weight during transit. If your entered weight is lower than the calculated billable weight, you will likely receive a "shipping charge correction" or adjustment invoice.

Is cubic weight the same as dimensional weight?

Yes, the terms "cubic weight," "volumetric weight," and "dimensional weight" are used interchangeably in the logistics industry.