Dimensional Weight Shipping
As you design online printing projects and place your orders, you may notice a change in the cost of shipping due to dimensional weight shipping. To avoid any pricing surprises, here’s what dimensional weight means, when it applies and how it can affect your shipping costs.
Dimensional Weight Shipping
Dimensional weight, also called volumetric weight, is based on the amount of space a package occupies rather than its actual weight. Shipping charges are based on whichever is greater: the package’s dimensional weight or its actual weight.
Specifications
Dimensional weight shipping charges apply to any rigid substrate over 36″ or any rigid substrate with a high order quantity. These materials require additional care when packaged to prevent damage during shipping.
If your order meets or exceeds these limits, its large dimensions may require our online printing services to ship via freight or use custom crate packaging.
How it’s Calculated
Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the package’s length × width × height in inches and dividing by 139. The resulting dimensional weight should be below 165 to stay within the specifications for regular shipping.
If your package is slightly under these dimensions but weighs over 150 lbs, freight shipping is needed. Smartpress determines the most cost-effective shipping option while also ensuring your packages are safely delivered.
Products With Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight shipping primarily applies to rigid materials, including substrates that can’t be bent or folded and fall outside the specifications mentioned above. It’s particularly important to be aware of its potential cost when printing custom signs like:
Shipping Notifications
You’ll be notified if your project exceeds the dimensional weight specifications. When you enter your project’s dimensions on the product page, you’ll see a prompt if additional shipping charges may apply:
Once you place your order and check out, Smartpress can calculate the final shipping charge.
Understanding dimensional weight shipping before placing your order can help you plan for potential freight or additional shipping charges, especially when ordering large or rigid printed materials. If you’d like to know if your order will require freight shipping or have any other questions about your project, please contact customer service.