Dimensional Weighing Scales in the Central Carolina Scale Electronic Catalog

Beating Dimensioning Dilemmas

Dimensioning is a very hot topic. As several major carriers have raced to embrace dimensional weighing, some in the business world are struggling to keep up. Understanding the differences between scale weight and dimensional weight can be frustrating, especially when it comes to billing a customer.

Dimensional weight (also referred to as dim weight or volumetric weight) is based on the package’s volume as opposed to its actual weight. Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. postal service have been using dimension and weight combinations for years. They were able to charge for the weight of a package or the dimensional weight. This was done by using a standard formula of length x width x height divided by a conversion factor of 194 for domestic or 166 for international shipping.

However, starting in 2007, a significant event took place as major shipping carriers implemented charges for dimensional weight. These are charges based on the size of a parcel as opposed to simply its scale weight.

Reasons for Change

When considering the factors driving the parcel business during the last few years, perhaps the largest single influence is the rising cost of fuel. Each trip has become considerably more expensive for carriers. If the volume of a truck or trailer is filled before its maximum weight is achieved, the carrier receives less revenue for that shipment, but the cost of transport remains the same. This is the main reason why the following regulations were put in place:

Scale Weight or Dim Weight

This new regulation is requiring distribution centers all over the nation to not only know what the weight of the package is, but also the physical dimension before shipping. This enables them to avoid costly back charges from carriers. These chargebacks are frequently absorbed by the company; rather than passed on to the customer since they have already been billed for shipping.

How it Works

If a package measures 2.9 cubic feet and weights 15 pounds, the customer will pay based on weight. However, by increasing any dimension of the box by as little as 1 inch, the package can increase to more than 3 cubic feet, and the customer will pay for a dim weight almost twice the cost of the 15 pound package measuring less than 3 cubic feet.

Most distribution centers rely on a ruler or tape measure to gather the dimensions. This is extremely time consuming and prone to error. Some are not aware that the technology is available today to electronically capture the weight and dimensions of a parcel in seconds. From toys to sporting goods, electronics to food and cosmetics to auto parts, all distribution centers can benefit from an automated dimensioning system.

Warehouses are another great example of a company that could benefit from a Cubiscan. Dimensioning data can be used to improve space management, verify content of supply, optimize packing and even discover errors on a package before it is shipped to aid in reducing returns.

Rice Lake is excited to present a patented line of the world’s most advanced dimensioning systems. CubiScans, will help you operate more efficiently as they become an essential part of your cubing effort in logistics planning, storage space allocation, material sorting, manifesting, and general material handling and warehousing processes.Below is a brief break down of the different CubiScan dimensioning systems available today

CubiScan 100

The CubiScan 100 is a portable, manually operated cubing weighing system. It is typically used in distribution centers and parcel shipping applications to measure the dimensions and weight of hand-held parcels. All the information captured by the 100 is electronically stored for transfer to the user’s host computer. Its mobility allows the CubiScan 100 to be used in different locations with a number of useful peripherals. Certified as a type-approved, legal for trade in U.S. and Canada approved, the CubiScan 100 uses three ultrasound sensors to capture the parcel dimensions in two seconds. Serial output, Ethernet and barcode input ports are standard. This is very easy to install thanks to plug in phone-type connectors to interface the sensors and factory calibrated.

CubiScan 150

The CubiScan 150 is a manifesting table for dimension and weight-based freight applications. It is designed to work in distribution, direct fulfillment and logistics environments with a scale capacity of 150 pounds. Using four ultrasound sensors to capture the parcel dimensions in three seconds, the CubiScan 150 is mounted on locking casters, which allow for easy movement. Serial output, Ethernet and barcode input ports are standard. The CubiScan 150 also interfaces to most warehouses management software or directly with carrier routing station like UPS or FedEx by use of its serial commands.

CubiScan 200-B

The CubiScan 200-B is an in-motion cubing and weighing system for use in high volume material handling and shipping applications. The 200-B is capable of measuring freight at rapid speeds and in any orientation. This dimensioning system contains an integrated conveyor scale, and can be combined with bar code scanning equipment and other peripherals. It is legal-for-trade and uses infrared light technology. The 200-B can be interfaced to bar code scanning equipment, label printing devices and communicates directly in batch or real time mode with manifesting or warehouse management systems. The 200-B is NTEP, legal-for-trade approved in U.S. and Canada approved. Applications are freight carriers, warehousing and distribution centers where dimensioning and weighing must be done in motion.

CubiScan 1000-VS

The 1000-VS is a new and exciting product utilizing Class II lasers and CCD cameras to capture dimensions. It can work in conjunction with a heavy capacity floor scale Operating speed is five seconds per measurement. The CubiScan 1000-VS is a ceiling-mounted, static dimension-scanning device for palletized freight loads. Applications are mostly warehouses to optimize truck loading.

Selecting the Right System

The information below focuses on how to choose the right dimensioning system for your application. As with any purchase, understanding your situation and requirements is essential.

Portions of this article courtesy of Efrain Molinari, dimensional product specialist

Efrain Molinari possesses a wide range of knowledge in many areas of the weighing industry. As a product manager for both dimensioning systems and in-motion checkweighers, Efrain has a vast knowledge of shipping and logistics applications.

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