A Simple Way to Calculate Your Package Dimensions

Whether you are sending a birthday gift or running an online store, knowing how to measure your package dimensions is crucial. Understanding how to measure box dimensions helps you in calculating shipping costs and, in the process, avoiding unexpected costs.

This will ensure your parcels arrive safely and efficiently, especially when shipping internationally. This article guides you through the process of getting accurate dimensions for your package to ensure smooth customs clearance and efficient delivery.

What Are Package Dimensions?

Package dimensions refer to the measurements (length, width, and height) of your packaging box. These are usually measured in inches or centimeters, depending on the country. Carriers, including Meest, use these figures to determine the size and space your package will occupy during shipping.

Knowing your package dimensions matters because shipping doesn't solely depend on the weight of your package. Carriers consider both the actual weight and dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, to calculate your shipping rate. This makes it crucial to get an accurate measurement of your package dimensions to correctly estimate your final shipping costs.

How to Measure Your Package — Step by Step

To accurately measure your package, you will need a measuring tape or ruler and a flat surface to place the package when measuring. With these two sorted out, below is the step-by-step process on how to measure package dimensions:

Place the box on a flat surface.
Measure the length — this is the longest side of the package.
Measure the width — this is the side perpendicular to the length.
Measure the height, from the base to the top of the box.

A package length, width, height of 16”, 10”, and 6” would have dimensions of 16 x 10 x 6 inches.

Pro tip: always round off your measurements to the nearest inch or centimeter. Also, remember to calculate box dimensions using measurements taken after the box has been sealed. This helps to accommodate any bulges.

Understanding Dimensional Weight (Dim Weight)

Dimensional weight refers to a pricing technique used by shipping carriers. Using this pricing technique, a package’s “ volumetric” weight is calculated based on the package’s size rather than actual weight.

Carriers use this method to ensure they charge fairly for large but lightweight packages, think of it as affirmative action. For example, a large box of pillows might weigh only 2 lbs but take up space equivalent to a 10 lbs package.

To calculate the dim weight of a package, use the formula below:

dimensional weight = (Length x Width x Height) divided by 139;
when calculating using centimeters, divide by 5,000;
for a box measuring 16 x 10 x 6 inches;
dim weight = (16 x 10 x 6) / 139 = 6.9 lbs.

If the package's actual weight is 4 lbs, but the dimensional weight is 6.9 lbs, you will be charged the higher of the two, which is 6.9 lbs in this case.

How to Use Your Measurements to Get a Shipping Quote

Once you have your package's dimensions and weight, you can now use your carrier's shipping calculator to get a quote. The Meest's shipping portal lets you input size, weight, and destination to get an instant quote. This comes in handy for international shipments where pricing varies by country.

Ensure you get proper measurements of your package and avoid guessing or approximating. This is to avoid:

extra fees if the package is larger or heavier than declared;
delays or returns if the package exceeds size limits;
correction surcharges from some carriers who reweigh and re-measure your parcel.

Avoid these problems by ensuring you accurately measure the package before shipping.

Bonus Tips for Better Packing

Below are some tips to help you pack your belongings better:

Choose the right box. A sturdy corrugated cardboard box rated for international shipping will be ideal. Don't reuse old boxes since they may be weakened or carry misleading labels.
Cushion and protect contents. For fragile items, you can use double box packing with some form of cushion placed between the boxes.
Seal securely. Use strong packing tape and not duct tape or masking tape to seal the box. Use the H-taping method to tape all seams and flaps, including the top and bottom. Ensure you also reinforce the edges and corners if the items are heavy.
Label clearly and accurately. Print the shipping label and attach it securely to the top of the box. Avoid covering the label with tape, unless the tape is transparent. As a precaution, include a backup label with the destination and return address inside the package, just in case the outer label gets damaged.
Choose packaging based on the items. For books, use book mailers or wrap in bubble wrap, then place in a snug box. For liquids, seal them tightly and then put them in a ziplock bag and pad heavily. For electronics, use anti-static wraps and double boxing.

A well-packed box not only protects your items but also helps control shipping costs.

Why Accurate Dimensions Are Crucial for International Shipping

When shipping internationally, providing accurate package dimensions isn't just good practice but is essential for cost efficiency, smooth delivery, and compliance. Pricing is often based on dimensional weight, and getting the dimensions wrong will lead to surcharges, raising the shipping costs.

Customs agencies also rely on this data to assess the duty and tax to be paid, ensure safe stacking, handling, and storage, and assign routing efficiently. Providing wrong dimensions will therefore lead to delays in customs, repackaging, or even attract extra charges in holding fees.

Carriers and freight forwarders require accurate dimensions to help them in space planning for containers or pallets. Over- or underestimating the dimensions will affect space allocation and load balancing, making it important to get your dimensions right to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Conclusion

Correctly measuring your package for shipping isn't just about the numbers. It's about saving, avoiding hassle, and ensuring your item arrives safely. Whether you are shipping across the US or overseas, use the steps outlined above on how to measure a package for shipping to ensure your shipping dimensions are accurate and your quote is reliable.

For fast, reliable, and affordable international shipping, especially to Eastern Europe, use Meest. With tools to help you calculate shipping costs and a network of reliable partners worldwide, Meest has greatly simplified the shipping of parcels internationally.