The cube adjusted weight, also known as dimensional weight, is calculated by determining the volume of a package and then applying a conversion factor. This method ensures carriers are compensated for the space a package occupies, rather than just its actual weight.
Understanding the Concept
Carriers use the cube adjusted weight to bill for shipments that are large relative to their weight. This helps them optimize space usage in their transport vehicles. If a package is large but very light, it takes up a significant amount of space, impacting the amount of cargo that can be transported. The cube adjusted weight ensures the carrier gets paid for that space usage.
Calculation Process
Here's how to calculate the cube adjusted weight:
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Measure the Package Dimensions: Determine the length, width, and height of the package in the required unit of measurement (usually inches or centimeters).
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Calculate Volume: Multiply the package's length, width, and height.
Volume = Length x Width x Height -
Apply the Cubic Factor: The result from the calculation in step two is then divided by a cubic factor provided by the carrier.
Cube Adjusted Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / Cubic Factor- This factor varies depending on the shipping carrier and the type of service.
- The carrier defines this specific factor. For example, one carrier may use 139 as the cubic factor, while another may use 166.
- Typically, the units used for the dimensions (e.g., inches or centimeters) and the cubic factor are related to each other.
Example
Let’s say a package measures 20 inches in length, 15 inches in width, and 10 inches in height, and the carrier’s cubic factor is 166.
- Volume: 20 inches x 15 inches x 10 inches = 3000 cubic inches.
- Cube Adjusted Weight: 3000 cubic inches / 166 = 18.07 lbs (this would be converted to KG if your standard is KG)
In this example, if the actual weight of the package was only 10 lbs, the carrier would use the cube-adjusted weight of approximately 18 lbs for billing purposes.
Key Considerations
- Carrier-Specific Factors: Always check the carrier's guidelines to determine the correct cubic factor for your shipment.
- Rounding: Carriers may have specific rules for rounding up the cube-adjusted weight, which should be checked before shipping.
- Comparing Weights: The billable weight is always the greater of either the actual weight or the cube adjusted weight.
Benefits of Understanding Cube Adjusted Weight
- Cost Estimation: Understanding how to calculate cube-adjusted weight allows you to estimate shipping costs more accurately, and can help you better manage your packaging strategy to reduce cost.
- Cost Reduction: By optimizing packaging and reducing the dimensional size of shipments, you can avoid charges based on inflated cube adjusted weight.
By following these steps, you can accurately calculate the cube adjusted weight for your shipments, ensuring you’re prepared for shipping costs.
