Volume-based pricing means shipping costs are calculated based on how much space a package takes up, not just how much it weighs.
Carriers use this approach to account for packages that are:
Large but lightweight
Small but very dense
Space-consuming in transit vehicles
Depending on the carrier, this may be referred to as cubic pricing, dimensional weight, or volumetric weight.
Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing method that converts package dimensions into a billable weight.
In simple terms:
The carrier calculates the package’s volume (length × width × height)
That volume is divided by a carrier-specific divisor
The result is compared to the actual weight
The higher value becomes the billable weight
This ensures shipping prices reflect both size and weight.
Cubic pricing is a specialized form of volume-based pricing used by some carrier services.
Key differences:
Pricing is based on total package volume
Weight plays a smaller role (or is capped)
Designed for small, dense packages
Cubic pricing is often cheaper than standard weight-based pricing for compact shipments.
Volume-based pricing is especially important when:
Shipping small but heavy items
Shipping products with dense materials
Comparing rates between similar services
In these cases, cubic or volumetric pricing can significantly reduce costs.
Deliveri automatically:
Calculates package dimensions
Applies carrier-specific pricing rules
Compares weight-based and volume-based options
This helps ensure you’re selecting the most cost-effective service for each shipment.
Weight-based pricing focuses on how heavy a package is
Volume-based pricing focuses on how much space it takes up
Cubic pricing is ideal for small, dense shipments
Understanding the difference helps you make smarter shipping decisions.
