For individual containers, the Dimensional Weight (a.k.a. Dim Weight) is computed by multiplying the Length * Width * Height to compute the volume and then dividing or multiplying the volume of the package by a factor assigned by the carrier. Not only does the Dimensional Weight Factor vary between carriers, it sometimes can be subject to negotiations between the carrier and the shipper. When the Dimensional Weight Factor is expressed as a divisor, a higher factor will result in lower Dim Weights, and therefore lower charges will apply. To support this, the Dimensional Weight Factor is controllable at the tariff charge level. Although this is a fabricated number to some extent, it must be expressed in relation to the Unit of Measure applicable for Length and Volume, as defined for the tariff.
When computing volume for a container by extending Length * Width * Height, each of the three dimensions will first be rounded to the closest whole number if the Length UOM for the tariff is Inches. Therefore, if a dimension is less than half an inch, the dimensional weight for the package will be zero.
If dimensions are not available for a container, dimensional weight will be zero.
For tariff charges where a Dimensional Weight Factor has been defined, the rating process must first establish which is greater - the actual weight or the Dim Weight. The higher value will be used to perform rate range look-up and to compute the actual amount.
For extremely small packages, the equivalent Dim Weight may not be applied even when it exceeds the actual weight. A Dimensional Weight Minimum defines this cut-off point. This value will define a Volume, expressed in the Volume UOM for the tariff. When the volume is less than the minimum, dimensional weight will not apply.
The Dimensional Weight Multiply flag dictates whether the Dimensional Weight Factor should be applied as a divisor or multiplier.
These values are only accessible for tariff charges where the corresponding master charge is configured to use Weight as the (Rating) Unit Type.
For tariff charges where the applicable Data Accumulation Level is not Container, Dimensional Weight will be computed using the volume for the transaction or stop. In this case, instead of extending individual dimensions that may have been rounded, the applicable volume for the transaction or stop will be used.