FedEx, UPS Dim-Weight Form Factor To Increase

MultiChannel Merchant reports that effective Jan. 3, FedEx and UPS will change the Dimensional Weight form factor will change from 194 to 166 for Ground and Air packages that are 3 cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or larger for shipments within the U.S., and from 166 to 139 for International Ground shipments to Canada.

Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length by width by height of each package in inches and dividing the total by form factor.

Many shippers are contacting their carrier reps to negotiate the new factor to something greater than 166, Rob Martinez, CEO of Transult, told the magazine. Several will try to “grandfather” the current dimensional-weight factor into the next term of the pricing agreement, he says. And some shippers will redesign their corrugated packaging and packing configurations to try to reduce dimensional weight.