Many shippers are struggling to eliminate inaccurate package dimensions on small parcel shipments, which can quickly turn into a mountain of unexpected freight charges if the carrier finds a discrepancy in measurements.
The best way to improve dimensional weight calculations is to add technology to your shipping operations for high-speed, highly accurate package measurements.
In the past few years, a number of mobile, handheld and more cost-effective dimensioning systems have become available on the marketplace, making the investment more reasonable for shippers.
In addition to technology, what else can shippers do to minimize dimensional rating costs? Following are ten tips shared by our partner, Tom Guest of Rice Lake Weighing Systems, to consider.
For case studies that compare before and after results of adding dimensioning technology, read Wholesale Marine Reduces Shipping Costs with New Dimensioning System.
The good news is that shippers have numerous dimensioning system options to choose from today, and price points are coming down as multiple manufacturers enter the market. We’ve found that for some shippers, a dimensioning system in a fixed position works very well to streamline their operations, while other shippers have found that a mobile, handheld dimensioning system delivers the most benefit.
improve dimensional weight calculations on large, irregular shaped packages
One of our customers, a household goods company, for example, has found that a mobile digital dimensioner offers the most efficient way to measure its large furniture products. Other companies’ have gained the greatest benefit by installing a fixed dimensioning system right in line with their conveyor system.
Many of our customers are also adding dimensioning workstations in the receiving area to quickly capture accurate product dimensions, SKU and other details as they are received, and then upload the data to their host operational systems. This process is invaluable for optimizing warehouse space, planning for more efficient order packing, and ensuring accurate shipping rates are calculated at the time of shipment.
Not only can the right dimensioning system help you get control over surprise back charges from carriers, but it can also help control and reduce labor costs.
Companies are uncovering considerable savings by slashing the time it takes to capture measurements, in addition to the savings gained by eliminating backcharges resulting when carriers dispute the shipper’s measurements, and inaccurate dim weights.
Related: Eliminate Shipping Data Errors That Increase Freight Costs
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