Dimensional weight scales are increasingly becoming a staple in eCommerce warehouses. As businesses strive for more efficient operations, these scales offer significant benefits in terms of cost reduction, waste minimisation, and environmental impact. This blog explains what dimensional weight scales are, how they work, and their advantages, along with strategies for optimising packaging and consolidating shipments to further enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
What are dimensional weight scales?
Dimensional weight scales, also referred to as volumetric scales, are devices used to calculate the shipping weight of a package based on its dimensions (length, width, and height) rather than its actual weight. This concept is crucial in shipping because carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL charge based on either the actual weight or the dimensional weight of a package, whichever is greater. The dimensional weight is determined using a specific formula:
\[ \text{Dimensional Weight (lbs)} = \frac{\text{Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)}}{\text{Dimensional Factor (in³/lb)}} \]
The dimensional factor is a number set by the carrier. This means that shipping companies are not only charged for the weight of the package but also for the space it occupies in the carrier’s vehicle.
How do dimensional weight scales improve operational efficiencies?
-
Optimised packaging:
Dimensional weight scales encourage warehouses to use the smallest possible packaging that still protects the product. This minimises excess space, reducing both packaging costs and the overall volume of shipments.
-
Control:
Providing volumetric data, updating Master data file and confirmation check against inbound manifests.
-
Package consolidation:
By understanding the dimensional weight, warehouses can better consolidate multiple items into a single shipment. This reduces the number of packages shipped, which can significantly cut down on transportation costs and environmental impact.
-
Space Utilisation:
Efficient use of space within the warehouse is facilitated by the accurate measurement of package dimensions, allowing for better organization and storage.
Advantages of using dimensional weight scales
- Cost Savings: Helps in choosing the most economical shipping option by balancing actual weight and dimensional weight.
- Master Data: Accurate representation of weight and volumetrics of an inbound SKU or outbound package
- Reduced Waste: Promotes the use of right-sized packaging, cutting down on excess packaging material.
- Environmental benefits: Less packaging material and fewer shipments contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
- Improved customer satisfaction: Accurate shipping costs and reduced damages from appropriately sized packaging lead to happier customers.
Reducing shipping costs through optimized packaging and consolidation
- Optimised packaging: Using dimensional weight scales encourages the selection of the most appropriate packaging size. Here are some tips:
- Custom boxes: Invest in a range of box sizes or customizable box solutions to ensure a snug fit for any item.
- Packaging materials: Use minimal packaging materials without compromising the safety of the item. This reduces both weight and size. Find out more in our recent blog here (https://bit.ly/3KkaBCz)
- Package consolidation: Combine multiple orders destined for the same location into one package. This reduces the total number of packages shipped and leverages the maximum allowable dimensional weight.
- Automated Systems: Implement automated packaging and shipping systems that use dimensional data to optimise package size and consolidation strategies dynamically.
Legal for trade weighing: Ensuring compliance and accuracy
Legal for Trade scales are certified and approved for use in commercial transactions, ensuring that businesses and customers alike can trust the weight and measurement data provided. This section will delve into what Legal for Trade weighing entails, why it is important, and how it benefits ecommerce operations.
What is legal for trade weighing?
Legal for Trade weighing refers to the use of scales and measurement devices that are certified for use in commercial transactions. Legal for Trade certification ensures that the measurements provided by the scales are accurate and reliable, which is critical when determining shipping costs, product pricing, and compliance with trade regulations.
Importance of legal for trade weighing
Regulatory Compliance: Businesses engaged in selling goods by weight or calculating shipping costs based on weight must use Legal for Trade scales to comply with legal requirements. Non-compliance can lead to fines and legal disputes.
For more information on legal for weight scales you can read our latest blog on the subject here (LINK)
Conclusion
Dimensional weight scales are a powerful tool for ecommerce warehouses, offering a blend of cost savings, operational efficiencies, and environmental benefits. By understanding and implementing dimensional weight-based shipping, businesses can optimise their packaging processes, reduce waste, and lower shipping costs. As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, the adoption of such technologies will be crucial in maintaining competitive and sustainable operations.
Contact Conveyor Systems Ltd on 01283 55 22 55 or email [email protected] for more information.