Cartonization Rules That Slash DIM Weight Costs
Dimensional weight pricing continues to drive up shipping costs for businesses of all sizes. This article breaks down two practical cartonization rules that can significantly reduce those expenses, backed by insights from logistics and fulfillment experts. Learn how locking fragile items upright and enforcing utilization thresholds can protect your bottom line.
Lock Fragile SKUs Upright
E-commerce operations are not that easy to complete. As per my analysis, these carriers often penalize high-volume, low-density parcels. Which further led me to utilise 3D bin-packing algorithms. Mainly the "try out box sizes," one. It work on attaining a right-size packaging and reduce shipping cost.
1. Key Algorithmic Tweak: Orientation Constraints
One of the most worthy adjustments I implement is locking fragile and high-margin items. such as glassware and electronics into a vertical-only fixing. By restricting full 360 degree rotation for these SKUs, I secure them from being placed at the bottom of heavy stacks.
2. WMS/OMS Configuration
In systems like SAP EWM or Oracle WMS, I balance this through algorithm profiles and cartonization groups. For this, I keep the maximum fill rate to around 90 to 92 percent. It leaves space for standardized cushioning.
This trick consistently offer reduction in parcel spend, cuts damage rates. And improves warehouse productivity by providing clear visual packing guidance to staff.
Enforce Seventy Percent Utilization
We set a minimum void-fill threshold (at least 70% volume utilization), combined with item orientation constraints for fragile or multi-piece SKUs (keep bottles upright, avoid stacking fragile items, etc.) and we saw an approximate 7% drop in damaged goods.
Nest Small Parts Inside Bigger Pieces
Nesting small items inside larger items can turn two parcels into one smaller cube. A simple fit check can confirm the inner item sits secure without stress on either product. Light padding or a sleeve can stop movement without adding bulk.
Packing rules can block mixes that might stain, leak, or scratch. The result is fewer boxes, less filler, and a lower billed size. Build a compatibility guide and begin nesting safe pairs on your next shift.
Ship SIOC Units Without Overboxes
SIOC-certified items are built to ship in their own boxes, so an extra overbox is not needed. Skipping the overbox cuts length and height, which often reduces DIM fees. Vendor certification and lab tests help keep damage rates stable.
Routing logic can flag these SKUs for label-only shipping with simple edge protection if needed. A monthly damage review ensures the rule stays safe and cost effective. Ask suppliers for SIOC options and turn on label-only shipping for certified SKUs today.
Trim Multi-Depth Boxes To Fit
Multi-depth cartons have score lines that let packers cut down to the needed height. Shorter boxes reduce void space and often bring DIM weight under the next price step. A carton sizer or a simple cutter and tape are enough to make clean cuts.
Clear steps and quick training prevent crushed corners and rework. Savings can be tracked by lane, product type, and packer to tune the rule. Stock multi-depth boxes and start cutting down to fit on the next wave.
Adopt On-Demand Carton Creation
Right-sized cartons made on demand match the order size and remove wasted space. A cartonization engine can pick the best box size or feed a box maker to create it. This makes the measured dimensions track close to product volume, which lowers DIM charges.
Less filler is used, and more orders fit in each truck. Set service rules so fragile items still get added cushion. Map common order sizes and start an on-demand packing trial now.
Prefer Poly Mailers When Safe
Poly mailers keep size low for items that can be pressed flat and do not break. A clear rule can tag SKUs by fragility and compressibility so mailers are chosen first when safe. This swap often cuts the package cube and lowers billed weight.
Water-resistant and tear-resistant mailers also reduce tape and void fill. A quick A/B test on top movers can show damage and cost results fast. Set a rule to prefer mailers for eligible SKUs and run a pilot this week.