Package facts
- Finished outside length, width and height.
- Packed scale weight.
- Package type, shape and packaging material.
- Number of identical parcels and shipment frequency.
- Declared value and any special contents restrictions.
Service and route
Record the origin postal code, destination postal code, residential or commercial status, requested delivery speed and ship date. Zone or distance can influence the base rate. Remote or delivery-area treatment may apply separately. International shipments may require customs information that is outside a dimensional-weight calculation.
Weight method
Confirm the applicable divisor, measurement convention and rounding method. Compare actual and dimensional weight, then record the planning billable weight. If a contract has exceptions by service, package type or route, do not assume one divisor covers every shipment.
Size and handling rules
Review maximum dimensions, length-plus-girth or other size formulas, and thresholds for additional handling or large-package treatment. A package can have a reasonable billable weight and still cross a separate size threshold. Irregular shape, exposed straps, tubes and nonstandard packaging may receive special treatment.
Surcharges and adjustments
| Category | Examples to verify |
|---|---|
| Location | Residential, delivery area, remote area |
| Operations | Additional handling, oversize, peak or demand |
| Financial | Fuel, minimum charge, currency conversion |
| Service | Signature, declared value, Saturday or pickup |
| Correction | Address or measurement adjustment |
Your internal fulfillment cost
For ecommerce decisions, add the carton or mailer, inserts, tape, labels, pick-and-pack labor, storage and expected damage or return cost. Shipping optimization that adds too much labor or damage can reduce rather than improve margin.
Final validation
- Calculate a planning billable weight.
- Check size and special-handling thresholds.
- Request or generate a current quote for the exact route and service.
- Compare the quote with the contract and recent invoices.
- Keep assumptions and the date with the estimate.
Start with the weight comparison
Use DimWeight Lab, then complete the remaining checklist with your provider’s current quote tools.
Calculate billable weightPrices, fees and service rules change. DimWeight Lab does not provide live carrier rates.