Chargeable Weight
Shipping charges for DHL eCommerce packages are calculated based on the greater of dimensional and actual weight, referred to as Chargeable Weight. This is applicable to Domestic and International shipping products
Determining Chargeable Shipping Weight
Dimensional weight is based on volume (the amount of space a package occupies). To determine if dimensional weight impacts your package, follow these steps:
- Calculate dimensional weight by multiplying length by width by height of each package (cubic size)
- Divide the cubic size by 166 (if measured in inches) or by 6,000 (if measured in centimeters). This is the dimensional weight of your package 1
- Compare this number with the actual weight of your package
Charges on your invoice will be based on the greater of the two: total actual weight versus total dimensional weight.
Please note: Domestic shipments that are less than one (1) pound in weight or have a volume of less than or equal to one (1) cubic foot are not subject to Chargeable Weight rules and are invoiced based on the actual weight.
1In accordance with standard industry practice. Chargeable weight is applicable on a per-package basis.
Example 1
In this example, the dimensional weight determines the chargeable weight
- Your package actually weighs: 10 lbs.
- Package dimension are: 18” (length) x 15” (width) x 8” (height)
- The cubic calculation = 2,160 cubic inches (18”x15”x8”)
- So, the dimensional weight = 13 lbs. (2,160/166’)
Because dimensional weight of 13 lbs. is greater than actual weight of 10 lbs., 13 lbs. becomes the chargeable shipping weight.
Example 2
In this example, the actual weight determines the chargeable weight
- Your package actually weighs: 15 lbs.
- Package dimension are: 18” (length) x 15” (width) x 8” (height)
- The cubic calculation = 2,160 cubic inches (18”x15”x8”)
- So, the dimensional weight = 13 lbs. (2,160/166’)
Because dimensional weight of 13 lbs. is less than actual weight of 15 lbs., 15 lbs. becomes the chargeable shipping weight.