How to measure box dimensions for shipping ? When it comes to shipping packages with international couriers or freight forwarders like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or USPS, the package’s size plays a crucial role in determining shipping costs. To accurately assess the postage due, it’s essential to measure the box dimensions correctly.
Use a reliable measuring tool to measure the length, width and height of the box. You can use this data to calculate other metrics, such as total size and dimensional weight, which may also affect the billable weight of the package
Presumably everyone will often encounter such a problem after delivery, why does the size of the goods become larger when they arrive at the freight forwarding warehouse? Why the box size of the goods will be 1-2cm more, before answering this question, let’s understand how to measure the box size
If you don’t want to check our article, you can also watch the following video, haha, but I really hope you can read this article, because I will explain why when shipping, why your box size is the same as the freight forwarder Measured box sizes vary
How To Measure Box Dimensions For Shipping
- How to measure box dimensions for shipping(Theoretical)
- 2.Measure the width of the shipping box
- How to measure box dimensions for shipping(Actual Operationl)
- Other Reasons Affecting Box Size
- International Express Has Restrictions On The Size Of The Shipping Box
- Summarize
How to measure box dimensions for shipping(Theoretical)
Why do I divide how to measure the size of the shipping box into two aspects, theoretical and practical, because during your delivery process, your suppliers and factories can only provide you with their box size for calculation, but in actual delivery During the process, this size will generally be 2-3CM more, in this article, I will explain why this is so.
1 Measure the longest side of the package.
Determine the longest side of the wrap first, then place a ruler or tape measure along the edge and measure the total length from one end to the other. Round measurements to the nearest whole number.
Be sure to write down your measurements on a small slip of paper, you will need it later.Most crates have a maximum length value.Many couriers only ship boxes smaller than a certain size, usually a whole number
When measuring a package for shipping, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the Longest Side: Determine the longest side of the package by visually inspecting it while it’s laid flat.
- Measure the Length: Place a ruler or tape measure along the edge of the longest side and measure the total length from one end to the other. Round the measurement to the nearest whole number.
- Record Measurements: Write down the measurements on a small slip of paper for future reference.
- Consider Maximum Length Requirements: Note that most crates have a maximum length value, and many couriers only accept boxes smaller than a certain size, usually a whole number.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure your package dimensions for shipping and ensure it meets the requirements of couriers and shipping services.
2.Measure the width of the shipping box
Width is the length of the shortest side of the box. Pull a ruler or tape measure from one end to the other to measure, then round up.
Since width and height do not need to be very precise dimensions, there is a larger margin of error for these two items than for length. Even if there is some deviation, it will not affect the final calculation result.
To measure the width of the box, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the Shortest Side: The width is the length of the shortest side of the box. Visually identify the side with the least length.
- Measure the Width: Using a ruler or tape measure, pull it from one end to the other of the identified shortest side to measure the width. Round up the measurement to the nearest whole number.
- Allow for Margin of Error: Keep in mind that width and height do not require precise dimensions as the length does. There is a larger margin of error for these two measurements, and slight deviations will not significantly affect the final calculation result.
By measuring the width accurately, you can ensure all necessary dimensions are recorded for shipping, and the package meets the required specifications.
3.Measure the height of the box
Measure the standing side of the box from bottom to top (or top to bottom). As before, round your measurements to the nearest whole number.
Regular slotted cartons (RSCs) are the most common form of packaging, and the two horizontal surfaces of the box are the same, which means that either side can be used as the top or bottom.
The height measurement for most packages is the minimum
To measure the height of the box, follow these steps:
- Identify the Standing Side: The height is the measurement from the bottom to the top (or top to bottom) of the standing side of the box. This is the side that is vertical when the box is in its regular position.
- Measure the Height: Using a ruler or tape measure, measure the height from the bottom to the top (or top to bottom) of the identified standing side. Round the measurement to the nearest whole number.
- Consider Box Orientation: For regular slotted cartons (RSCs), where both horizontal surfaces are the same, either side can be used as the top or bottom.
- Minimum Height Measurement: In most cases, the height measurement for packages is taken as the minimum height, representing the shortest dimension of the standing side.
By accurately measuring the height of the box, you can ensure all dimensions are recorded correctly for shipping, and the package meets the required specifications.
How to measure box dimensions for shipping(Actual Operationl)
Presumably, you will often encounter such problems after delivery. Why does the size of the goods become larger when they arrive at your warehouse? Why is the size of the box of the goods 2-3cm longer? Obviously my goods are packed in new boxes.
It is not uncommon to encounter size discrepancies when goods arrive at a warehouse. There are several reasons why the size of the goods may appear larger:
- Packing Materials: During the shipping process, items may be packed with additional materials, such as bubble wrap or foam, to protect them from damage. These materials can add extra volume to the package, leading to a slightly larger size.
- Box Tolerance: Some logistics companies and warehouses may have specific box size tolerance, allowing for slight variations in measurements during handling and transportation. This tolerance accommodates minor discrepancies between different measuring tools.
- Repackaging: In some cases, items may be repackaged at the warehouse for consolidation or to meet specific shipping requirements. Repackaging can lead to changes in the box size, especially if the new box dimensions are not precisely the same as the original one.
- Measuring Tools Differences: As you mentioned, the measuring tools used by different parties involved in the shipping process may not be exactly the same. Variations in measurement techniques can contribute to minor differences in box dimensions.
To minimize such discrepancies and ensure accurate measurements, it is essential for all parties involved in the shipping process, including the sender and logistics companies, to use consistent and precise measuring tools. This helps to avoid any unexpected issues and ensures that packages are accurately measured for shipping costs and requirements.
Freight forwarder measure size (Caliper Measurement)
There is a difference between a tape measure and a caliper measurement. The tape measure is a plane measurement, and the caliper is a three-dimensional measurement. Caliper and tape measure, the difference is 1-2cm, calipers often measure the size of the protruding part when the surface of the carton is protruding or the carton is irregular
DHL Express Actual Measurement Operation (Laser Measurement)
DHL utilizes an advanced 3D lens + algorithm solution for measuring packages, ensuring precise and efficient volume weight calculations. This cutting-edge technology achieves millimeter-level recognition accuracy, allowing for accurate measurements of the package’s dimensions.
The measuring machine employs the V-SLAM algorithm from the field of industrial robots, enabling real-time positioning of the lens and enhancing stability even in challenging environments like warehouses. By combining barcode recognition technology and weighing sensors, DHL can quickly identify the barcode and associate it with volume weight data, resulting in highly accurate volume information with an error margin of just 0.5mm. This exceptional precision enables volume weighing under both static and dynamic conditions.
Whether the package is being shipped by sea or air and regardless of its packaging type (e.g., carton or irregular), DHL measures the size at the longest or most protruding point. As a result, the measured size may appear slightly larger than the actual delivery size due to possible deformation during transportation and handling. However, the difference is generally within a reasonable range, with 1-2cm considered normal.
By leveraging this advanced measuring technology, DHL ensures accurate volume weight calculations, enabling fair and efficient shipping costs for its customers.
Other Reasons Affecting Box Size
The size and design of carton packaging play a significant role in determining the box’s final dimensions. There are three essential measurements that affect the box size:
- Inner Diameter Size: This refers to the inner space size of the corrugated carton after it is boxed and ready for the contents. The inner diameter is slightly larger than the overall size of the contents to provide adequate space and protection.
- Production Size: The production size is the combination of the inner diameter and the thickness of the corrugated cardboard used. It represents the final dimensions of the manufactured carton before it is filled with the contents.
- Outer Diameter: The outer diameter is the actual manufactured size of the carton, including the thickness of the corrugated cardboard used. It represents the full external dimensions of the carton, accounting for the packaging materials’ thickness.
The design of the carton packaging, along with the thickness of the corrugated cardboard used, directly influences the box’s overall dimensions. Each measurement plays a crucial role in ensuring that the carton provides a secure and suitable space for the contents while being robust enough to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling.
By considering the inner diameter, production size, and outer diameter, manufacturers and shippers can create and select carton packaging that perfectly accommodates the contents and meets the requirements of the shipping process.
Cartons are commonly made from corrugated cardboard, which comes in various thicknesses and corrugated types, such as A, B, C, E, F, and others. The thickness of corrugated cardboard is determined by the corrugated height, with higher corrugated heights resulting in thicker cardboard.
During carton production, the corrugated structure inside the cardboard is modified by pressing lines to ensure the cardboard can bend properly. This process involves shrinking the inner paper and extending the surface paper into a wavy shape. In the past, paper splitting and creasing machines would only crease the inner line, leaving the surface paper flat.
However, advancements in technology have led to the production of the three sizes mentioned above. These sizes likely refer to cartons with specific corrugated types and thicknesses to cater to different packaging needs. By using various corrugated types and adjusting the corrugated heights, manufacturers can create cartons with varying levels of strength and flexibility, suitable for protecting different types of contents during shipping and handling.
In summary, the thickness and corrugated type of cardboard, as well as the specific corrugated height and creasing techniques used during production, determine the properties of cartons, allowing for a wide range of options to suit diverse packaging requirements.
International Express Has Restrictions On The Size Of The Shipping Box
Different international express companies, such as EMS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx, have specific restrictions on the size and weight of shipping boxes. Here are the main restrictions for each company:
EMS:
- The longest side of the package should not exceed 1.5m.
- The sum of length, width, and height should be less than 3m.
- Only one piece can be sent at a time, and the weight of a single piece cannot exceed 30KG.
- If any side of length, width, and height exceeds 60cm, the volume weight of the package is calculated using the formula: volume or weight (kg) = length x width x height (cm) / 8000.
DHL:
- A surcharge of RMB 250 will be charged for a single piece of cargo exceeding 120 cm in length or a single piece exceeding 70 kg (additional fuel surcharge will be charged).
- If the size of a single piece exceeds 300CM (length) * 120CM (width) * 160CM (height) or the weight exceeds 999KG, it needs to be booked in a warehouse.
- The actual weight of a single piece cannot exceed 250 kg. For goods above 68kg, different size restrictions apply.
UPS:
- A single piece of goods must not weigh more than 32KG and should not exceed 152 cm in the longest side or 76 cm in the second longest side.
FedEx:
- A single piece of ordinary express goods must not exceed 68 kg, and one side cannot exceed 274 cm.
- The peripheral length or single side length should be less than or equal to 330 cm (peripheral length = sum of two shorter sides multiplied by 2 plus the longest side).
- If a shipment is oversized, there is no limit to its maximum size.
It’s essential to be aware of these size and weight restrictions to avoid additional charges and ensure a smooth shipping process when using international express services.
Summarize
Do you know how to measure box dimensions for shipping now? To measure the size of a shipping box correctly, use a reliable measuring tool such as a ruler or tape measure. Measure the length, width, and height of the box, and round the measurements to the nearest whole number. These measurements will help determine the actual dimensions of the package, which is essential for calculating shipping costs and ensuring it meets the requirements of the courier or freight forwarder.
In cases where the size provided by the supplier is not accurate, it’s crucial to communicate with the freight forwarder to address any discrepancies. As you mentioned, a reasonable range of error, such as 2-3cm, is typically acceptable due to various factors during handling and transportation. Working closely with the freight forwarder can help resolve any size-related issues and ensure a smooth shipping process.
By understanding how to measure the size accurately and maintaining effective communication with the freight forwarder, businesses can minimize shipping complications and ensure their packages meet the necessary size requirements for international shipping.
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