What factor determines dimensional weight?

Dimensional weight is calculated by taking the dimensions of the cargo and dividing by a standard factor. This method factors in the volume that a package occupies relative to its actual weight, which is especially important in air freight, where space can be just as valuable as weight.

The calculation for dimensional weight is designed to encourage efficient use of space in cargo transport. Since air freight charges are often based on whichever is greater—the actual weight or the dimensional weight—understanding how to compute this allows for more accurate pricing and better logistics management.

While total weight, distance, and aircraft type may influence shipping costs, they do not directly determine the dimensional weight. The standard factor used in the calculation of dimensional weight can vary depending on the carrier and service, but it fundamentally relies on volume measurements.