WHAT: All carton dimensions & weights must be verified before receiving the shipment. The item measurements may be physically taken by the P&S Coordinator, given by the vendor, or verified by the warehouse.
NOTE – Warehouse verification for initial shipments is not suggested because the item could be received before the dimensions are entered into the system.
WHY: Carton information affects freight costs.
- Carton measurements determine ocean freight costs.
- Initial dimensions entered by P&S are estimates to calculate planned costing.
- The verified dimensions received from the vendor reflect what was sent.
- Accurate dimensions result in accurate cost calculations.
- For example, an estimated P&S box dimension is 12” x 10.75” x 9.25”. Ocean freight cost is $1.92.
- The verified box dimension from the vendor is 11.75” x 10.5” x 9”. Ocean freight cost is $1.77.
- Although the overall box size is not drastically different, there is a $.15 freight cost savings by using the verified box dimensions.
- Our warehouse and customers need accurate carton sizes for space planning purposes. We can receive customer fines if our provided dimensions are not correct.
- Carton density determined by weights and dimensions drives the Bill of Lading and NMFC codes that our warehouse and customers use to determine trucking transportation costs. This information is also used by Customer Service, Supply Chain, and others to get rate quotes from Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, and USPS.
HOW TO:
- IMPORTANT- Always enter dimensions in INCHES and POUNDS.
- 2.2 lb = 1 kg
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- If a vendor gives metric dimensions, they must be converted to inches and pounds.
- NOTE – Always use the Gross Weight if given both options.
For example, from the highlighted text above:
49 cm x 1in/2.54 cm = 19.29 in. Round to nearest ¼ inch = 19.25in.
26 cm x 1in/2.54 cm = 10.24 in. Round to nearest ¼ inch = 10.25in.
14 cm x 1 in/2.54 cm = 5.51 in. Round to nearest ¼ inch = 5.5in.
See Measuring Guidelines for more information.
