Billable Weight

Billable weight is the final weight figure used to calculate your shipping cost. Carriers determine it by comparing your package’s actual weight to its dimensional weight and charging based on whichever is higher.

The Billable Weight Formula

Billable Weight = MAX(Actual Weight, Dimensional Weight)

This simple comparison ensures carriers are compensated fairly whether your package is heavy-and-small or light-and-large.

Example Calculations

Heavy, compact package (books):

• Actual weight: 15 lbs
• Dimensional weight: 8 lbs
• Billable weight: 15 lbs

Light, bulky package (pillows):

• Actual weight: 3 lbs
• Dimensional weight: 18 lbs
• Billable weight: 18 lbs

Balanced package:

• Actual weight: 10 lbs
• Dimensional weight: 10 lbs
• Billable weight: 10 lbs

Why Billable Weight Matters

Understanding billable weight helps you:

• Predict costs accurately - No surprises when the invoice arrives
• Choose optimal packaging - Right-size boxes to minimize DIM weight
• Select the right service - Flat rate options bypass billable weight entirely
• Compare carriers fairly - Different DIM factors affect billable weight

Exceptions to Billable Weight

Some services ignore the billable weight comparison:

• USPS Flat Rate - Fixed price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs)
• Regional Rate boxes - Use actual weight only (up to specific limits)
• First-Class Mail - Under 1 lb, DIM doesn’t apply
• Freight shipments - Use freight class instead of billable weight