FedEx to apply DIM weight to SmartPost shipments in 2018
FedEx’s 2018 rates went into effect on Jan. 1, but the changes don’t stop there. Starting January 22, FedEx will start applying a dimensional (DIM) weight pricing divisor of 139 to all FedEx SmartPost shipments (except rates by ounce).
FedEx is making this shift in order to align FedEx SmartPost with its other delivery services, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. This move also more closely aligns FedEx SmartPost with its closest “last mile” competitor, UPS SurePost.
Here are some examples of the impact DIM weight will have on FedEx SmartPost shipping rates, effective January 22, 2018.
As a refresher, DIM weight looks at a package’s volume—you’re paying based on how much space a package occupies instead of its actual weight. To determine DIM weight, measure a package’s length, width and height at its longest points, and round each measurement up to the nearest whole number. Multiply those three numbers together, divide by the 139 divisor, and round up to the nearest whole number to determine the package’s dimensional weight.
So, if you have a 5 pound box that measures 10 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches, its dimensional weight is 8 pounds, which is higher than greater than the actual weight of 5 pounds.
Actual weight: 5 pounds
Length: 10 inches
Width: 10 inches
Height: 10 inches
Dimensional weight calculation: 10x10x10 / 139 = 7.19 dimensional weight, which is rounded up and billed as 8 pounds
FedEx SmartPost typically delivers in 2-7 business days and utilizes the United States Postal Service for final delivery, thus allowing shippers to reach every U.S. address including P.O. boxes, military (APO/DPO/FPO) addresses and U.S. territories.