Getting your measurements right when sending goods is essential. Imagine carefully calculating your shipping budget only to be hit with unexpected fees because your cargo’s weight or dimensions were slightly off. It’s not just frustrating; it can be expensive – in the world of freight, a few extra centimetres or kgs can really impact your bottom line.
It’s not just about form-filling – it’s about ensuring you pair fair rates, avoid delays, and enjoy a smooth shipping experience.
Why does accuracy matter? What are the problems caused by miscalculations? And what are the best practices that will ensure your shipments are always on the right track? At Millennium, we’re here to help.
The Weighty Consequences of Inaccurate Measurements
Getting the weight and dimensions of your cargo wrong isn’t just a small issue. What can seem almost irrelevant at one end can snowball into a series of problems that can cost you – a lot!
- Incorrect Freight Classification – Your freight class directly impacts your shipping cost. Under- or over-estimating will mean the dimensions and weight don’t tally, leading to the wrong classification and ultimately paying charges that are larger than those you budgeted.
- Delayed Shipments – For the carrier, when dimensions are wrong, it might mean that the cargo doesn’t fit onto the truck or into the planned container disrupting their capacity planning. Alternative arrangements will be needed, and that means delays (and more costs!).
- Customs Penalties and Fines – Inaccurate declarations can lead to customs audits and investigations. Customs authorities have strict regulations regarding the accurate declaration of goods, including their weight and dimensions, and they’re not shy about applying fines.
- Damaged Goods – Getting those measurements wrong can lead to improper loading or stacking, increasing the risk of damage during transit.
- Safety Concerns – Oversized or overweight cargo could be a safety hazard during the journey, increasing the risk to those directly involved in the movement of your goods.
How To Measure Your Cargo
With a new determination to get that cargo measured correctly – how do you do it? For that, you have to understand dimensional weight and how it impacts cargo calculations.
Understanding Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight (or DIM Weight) is a volume-based measurement that provides a fair system to calculate cargo costs for low-weight, high-volume goods. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of your package and dividing it by a ‘dimensional factor’. This latter number varies by carrier but is typically between 4000 and 6000 cm3/kg.
Carriers then use a ‘highest number wins’ system, where the higher value between DIM Weight and actual weight is used; thus, a lighter package that takes up a lot of space can cost a similar amount to a heavier object that’s much smaller.
An example of dimensional weight is as follows:
A package has dimensions 50 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm. Its volume is calculated as 50 x 40 x 30 = 60,000 cm3.
The DIM Weight with a dimensional factor of 5,000 would equal 60,000 / 5,000 = 12kg.
If the real weight was 8kg, then the package would be costed based on the dimensional weight of 12kg. If the real weight was 14kg, then the package would be costed based on this real weight at 14kg.
Weighing Your Cargo
Remember that when you are calculating your freight’s weight, you must include the entire package – including the packing materials and any pallet! Everything you are shipping will need to be paid for.
Measure:
- Length (L) – the longest side of your shipment, including any overhang (for example, if on a pallet)
- Width (W) – the shorter side of your shipment; again, include overhang.
- Height (H) – from the very bottom of your cargo to the highest point (including pallet).
If your package is an irregular shape, then measure to the longest points – effectively, imagine that it’s inside a box that fits it and measure as if you are measuring that box.
Then also weigh your cargo! Again, include the pallet and any packaging materials. If you know the dimensional factor for your courier, you can use these figures as described above to accurately estimate costs. Supply all those accurate measurements with your cargo.
Freight Weight & Measurements FAQs
Q: Does the transport method (air, road, ocean) affect weight and measurements?
A: Yes.
- Air freight has space limitations, so, as explained above, both actual weight and dimensional weight are used.
- Road freight will typically focus on actual weight, with dimensional weight only being relevant for exceptionally bulky, lightweight cargo.
- With ocean freight, Full Container Load (FCL) shipments will primarily consider actual weight, while Less-than Container Load) shipments use higher number dimensional weight vs. actual weight calculations as described.
Q: Do I need to measure in metric or imperial units?
A: Most carriers use metric (centimetres and kilos), with imperial measurements primarily used only for the US. It’s worth checking with your carrier if you are unsure.
Q: What if my shipment is on multiple pallets?
A: Measure each pallet individually and then add the dimensions together to get the total dimensions for your shipment.
Q: Do I need to include the weight of the pallet in my calculations?
A: Yes – weight of the pallet and any other packaging materials should always be included in the total weight of your shipment.
- What if I’m still unsure about the measurements?
A: Contact us at Millennium. Our experts are available to help you ensure accurate measurements for your cargo.
Measuring Freight Weight with Millennium
Accurate freight weight and measurement are more than just numbers – they’re the foundation of a smooth and cost-effective shipping process. When you get your measurements right, you help ensure that your cargo is shipped without incident and on budget! Contact us at Millennium for all your freight forwarding needs.