Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
How do product weight and dimensions affect shipping costs?
The carrier uses the packed parcel’s weight and dimensions to calculate the charge. If the store passes incorrect weights to the carrier integration, the rate shown at checkout will not match the invoice. Check both the product weight and the packaging contribution for each variant.
Should every product variant have its own weight?
Give variants their own weight when the real packed weights differ. Two variants of similar size may share weight if they are genuinely the same when packed. If weights differ, a shared default will under-charge heavier variants and over-charge lighter ones.
How should product dimensions be stored?
Store length, width and height with units and a clear definition of whether they describe the product or the shipping parcel. Keep package dimensions separately where possible. Re-measure when packing materials change.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is a carrier pricing measure based on how much space a package occupies. The carrier calculates it from package dimensions and its current divisor. It is not the physical weight shown by a scale. When dimensional weight exceeds actual weight, the carrier charges based on dimensional weight.
How do I calculate dimensional weight?
Multiply the length, width, and height of the packed parcel, then divide by the carrier’s dimensional weight divisor. Each carrier publishes its current divisor. Compare the result to the actual packed weight, the carrier charges whichever is higher under their applicable rules.
How does oversized packaging increase shipping costs?
A larger box than the product requires raises dimensional weight and may trigger carrier handling surcharges. The carrier invoice for a lightly filled box can exceed the invoice for a denser, heavier parcel of the same product. Reduce empty space while maintaining adequate product protection.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between actual weight and dimensional weight?
Actual weight is what the packed parcel weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight estimates how much space it takes. For eligible services, a carrier may charge the higher of the two according to its current rules.
Why am I being charged dimensional weight?
A large, lightly filled box can occupy more carrier space than its scale weight suggests. Compare the measured box to the quoted dimensions and the service’s divisor. Reduce empty space while protecting the product.