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Dimensioning Is a Key Component in Shipping
Dimensioning systems make a huge difference for shipping and logistics departments.
Dimensioning plays a large role in shipping, both for shippers and less-than-load (LTL) carriers. Kris Lagace, Director of Logistics at Rice Lake Weighing Systems, explains how dimensioning systems can impact shipping processes. Rice Lake’s shipping department currently uses the iDimension® Plus and iDimension LTL dimensioners to measure packages shipped throughout the US and internationally.
Lagace has worked in manufacturing for 27 years. With an MBA in business administration and management accompanied by a BSIE in industrial engineering, she has comprehensive knowledge of business logistics and optimizing operations.
The Impact of Dimensioning
Over the past few years, shippers have faced rising demand, which can be difficult to manage. With more packages than ever passing through facilities, operations must process at top speeds—which can risk improper dimension and weight calculations.
Dimensioners can minimize processing time to keep shipments moving. According to Lagace, incorporating iDimension freight and parcel systems into Rice Lake’s shipping department saved 2.5 hours of manual labor per person a day.
When she reflects on the impact on her department, Lagace says there are "less mistakes compared to manually entering weights and dimensions.” Lagace cut back on the time her team spent calculating measurements by hand, while increasing accuracy. She emphasized that iDimension systems ensure they are accurately charged and avoid stacking up fees from LTL carriers due to incorrect measurements.
The Future of Dimensioning
Large freight and pallet shipments are monitored under the National Motor Freight Traffic Association through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). It’s the responsibility of shippers to stay up to date on classification processes.
As technology develops, relying on automatic dimensioners can help shippers ensure compliance with the latest changes. When confronting new NMFC regulations, Lagace explains that “depending [on] the product they are shipping, [shippers] will face new challenges [and] in some cases, increases in cost of shipping for light parts with higher volume." Automatic dimensioners such as Rice Lake’s iDimension systems can minimize shipping costs with the most accurate measurements.
Finding Quality Dimensioners
There are many options for automatic dimensioning solutions. Lagace suggests looking for dimensioners with “easy integration to your TMS or ERP, little to no maintenance, and accuracy.” But the best features for your dimensioner may vary based on the needs of your shipping department.
Rice Lake offers dimensioning solutions for parcels and pallets, calculating accurate results in industry-leading times. Upgrade your shipping department today and experience faster shipping times with reduced errors.
Related Products
Related Products
iDimension® Plus Parcel Static Dimensioning System
When calculating the dimensions of boxes, flats, polybags and more, Rice Lake's iDimension Plus is the fastest static tabletop solution on the market.
iDimension LTL Pallet Dimensioning System
The iDimension LTL optimizes dimensional shipping and enhances quality assurance verification in loading bays, warehouses, and shipping and receiving departments.