Estimate domestic and international logistics costs based on billable weight.
Standard (5-7 Days)
Expedited (2-3 Days)
Overnight (Next Day)
Estimation Summary
Understanding Shipping Rates: More Than Just Weight
In the world of logistics and e-commerce, calculating shipping rates is a critical component of maintaining profitability. Many businesses make the mistake of looking only at the "Actual Weight" on the scale. However, professional carriers use a concept known as Dimensional Weight (Dim Weight) to ensure they are compensated for the space a package occupies in their vehicles.
Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
Actual weight is exactly what it sounds like—the weight of the package measured on a scale. Dimensional weight, however, is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a package and dividing by a specific "Dim Factor" (typically 5000 for metric measurements). Carriers then charge based on the Billable Weight, which is whichever of the two values is higher.
Key Factors Influencing Your Shipping Costs
Distance: The physical distance between the origin and destination, often categorized by "Zones."
Service Level: Faster delivery times require air transport or dedicated routes, significantly increasing the cost multiplier.
Fuel Surcharges: Most carriers apply a floating percentage based on current fuel prices.