Shipping Dimensional Weight & Carrier Cost Calculator
Quantify billable weight, understand surcharges, and model packaging optimisation plus 3PL alternatives. Build the shipping cost narrative finance teams need.
All figures are directional. Confirm against carrier invoices, negotiated contracts, or 3PL statements before committing budgets.
Package & volume inputs
Total billable weight includes both product and packaging.
Carrier & surcharge model
Higher zones raise base transport cost.
Optimisation levers
Model right-sized carton projects or alternate dunnage.
Per-shipment economics by carrier
We combine dimensional weight, surcharges, and packaging scenarios to surface the fully-loaded cost to ship each order. Use this to align with finance, procurement, and operations teams.
Selected carrier cost
$23.11
Monthly spend $5,083
Dimensional weight
13 lbs
Billable 13.0 lbs
Annual savings runway
$30,027
Packaging + carrier optimisation combined
Switching to USPS saves $1,243 per month at current volume.
$7.20
Per shipment incremental cost beyond transport
$1,259
Monthly upside from right-sizing cartons
$1,912
Estimated monthly fulfilment if outsourced
Packaging efficiency
Score59/100
Billable weight far exceeds actual. Explore right-sized cartons or poly mailers.
Carrier alignment
Score63/100
Switching to USPS saves $5.65 per shipment at current profile.
Cost pressure
Score63/100
Surcharge load is manageable. Continue monitoring carrier fuel updates each quarter.
$1,259
Reducing carton size unlocks recurring savings. Coordinate with packaging suppliers to validate structural integrity.
USPS
USPS beats the highest-cost option by $1,243 per month at current volumes.
$1,912
Using a hybrid 3PL costs this amount monthly for pick/pack and weight surcharges. Compare against insourcing labour and storage overhead.
16.5%
No oversize fees detected – keep monitoring girth as catalogue evolves.
Carrier benchmarking & scenarios
| Carrier | Billable lbs | Per shipment | Monthly spend | Optimised save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | 11.0 lbs | $17.46 | $3,840 | $777 |
| ShipBob (3PL) | 11.0 lbs | $18.12 | $3,986 | $817 |
| DHL eCommerce | 11.0 lbs | $19.23 | $4,231 | $884 |
| UPS | 13.0 lbs | $22.43 | $4,936 | $1,214 |
| FedEx | 13.0 lbs | $23.11 | $5,083 | $1,259 |
- Request DIM factor review with FedEx backed by carton data.
- Pilot poly mailers for SKUs under 7 lbs to bypass oversize checks.
- Negotiate fuel cap or rebate once monthly spend exceeds $4,224.
- Zone 5+ deliveries magnify rate hikes—monitor geographic mix weekly.
- Oversize rules vary by carrier; re-run analysis before seasonal assortment changes.
- 3PL assumptions exclude storage and inbound freight—layer those for full landed cost.
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Disclaimer
Outputs blend user inputs with industry heuristics for DIM factors, zoning, and surcharge behaviour. Actual carrier invoices may vary based on negotiated contracts, accessorial fees, fuel indices, and fulfilment geography. Validate with logistics partners before adjusting pricing or inventory flows.