Susan Lacefield has been working for supply chain publications since 1999. Before joining DC VELOCITY, she was an associate editor for Supply Chain Management Review and wrote for Logistics Management magazine. She holds a master's degree in English.
If it seems you're hearing a lot about warehouse dimensioning systems these days, there's a reason for that. Now more than ever, warehouses and DCs need to have accurate measurements for all of their products and shipments. For parcel shipments, that dimensional data is crucial for accurately calculating shipping costs and choosing the right carton. For pallet shipments, dimensional data can help users calculate exactly how much room a load will occupy in the trailer. And inside the DC, accurate dimensional data makes it easier to slot items and optimize the facility's storage space.
While you could send an employee out with a tape measure to record the height, width, and length of each product or carton, that approach is time-consuming and error-prone. One small improvement is using an electronic tape measure (e-tape) or digital tape measure that will take and record the measurements for you. But the more products your distribution center deals with, the more sense it makes to use automated dimensioning equipment that requires minimal human involvement.
Before you begin looking at dimensioning equipment, however, it helps to know what your options are and which types of units work best for what applications. In general, dimensioning systems fall into two major categories: systems that are designed to measure pallet loads, and systems designed to measure parcels or individual items. That second category—parcel dimensioners—can be further broken down into two types of units: static tabletop dimensioning systems and in-motion systems that measure items as they pass through a tunnel. What follows is a look at these systems as well as some of their strengths and weaknesses.
DIMENSIONING FOR THE WHOLE PALLET
As its name suggests, a pallet dimensioning system is used to calculate the exact volume of a pallet load before it's placed in a trailer. Typically, these systems are mounted on the ceiling or on a column, says Jason Wiley, business manager of Mettler Toledo, which makes dimensioning equipment. Under this method, the pallet to be measured is transported via forklift to the system, where it is scanned and dimensioned.
Pallet dimensioners are a good fit for trucking companies looking to calculate shipping charges based on the exact volume a load takes up in the truck, not the overall dimensions of a standard pallet, says Justin Headley, marketing manager for the dimensioning system manufacturer CubiScan. They also provide a way for shippers to avoid freight-charge surprises at the end of the month and to collect data that can be valuable in resolving disputes with carriers, he says.
Headley warns, however, that not all pallet dimensioners are created equal. "Do your homework before choosing a vendor," he says. "Make sure they have the technology to 'see' all five sides of the load, can properly scan the entire load for bulges or bumps, and have a software interface that integrates with your shipping software."
For all their strengths, pallet dimensioners also have their weaknesses. Perhaps the biggest downside to using these devices is that the process of picking up, moving, and scanning pallets is a bit cumbersome, says Jack Ampuja, president of Supply Chain Optimizers, a consulting firm that's been involved in numerous packaging optimization projects. "I don't know how many minutes the process takes, but it certainly isn't a five-second deal," he says.
The good news, Ampuja says, is that "in-line" pallet dimensioning systems are on the horizon. He reports that manufacturers are currently testing a couple of different solutions, including one in which laser sensors are placed on the forklift itself to measure the load as it's picked up, and one that captures the load's measurements as a truck drives through a tunnel outfitted with sensors.
DIMENSIONING FOR PARCELS
In contrast to pallet dimensioning systems, parcel dimensioning systems are already available in both static and in-line varieties. The first type, the static dimensioning system, could be considered a "semi-automated" solution. To use this type of machine, an operator places a parcel or item on the dimensioning system, which then measures (and often weighs) the product. The equipment can be stationary—for example, located at a packing station—or placed on a cart and wheeled around the distribution center.
With an in-line/in-motion or dynamic dimensioning system, by contrast, a package or parcel moves down a belt and passes through a tunnel, where its dimensions are captured by either a 3-D camera or laser sensors. These tunnels are usually placed after pick and pack stations and before labeling and shipping stations, says Dan Hanrahan, president of warehouse automation specialist Numina Group.
Both static and in-line dimensioners can be used in DCs at the outbound end to gather dimensional data needed for calculating shipping costs. They can also be used at a facility's inbound end to gather the dimensions of stock-keeping units (SKUs) in order to calculate how much storage space the item will require or determine what size carton to use for shipping.
THE SCOOP ON STATIC
Static dimensioners come in an almost dizzying array of varieties, with different brands providing varying levels of accuracy and requiring varying amounts of labor. With respect to accuracy, for example, some dimensioners can provide a very precise 3-D image of an irregular-shaped item, while others provide more rectilinear dimensions, says Will Crosby, director of marketing for the dimensioning system provider QubeVu. Wiley of Mettler Toledo further advises potential buyers to make sure that any machine they're considering is NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) certified by the National Conference on Weights and Measures.
Different static dimensioners use different types of sensing technology to take measurements, including laser triangulation, which measures the reflection or displacement of a laser beam; sonic transducer technology, which does the same with sound waves; and optical imaging technology, which often uses 3-D cameras. Some systems may use a combination of these methods because different technologies provide more accurate measurements for different types of items. (For example, lasers might be better at measuring shiny objects than cameras are.) Users should also be aware that a dimensioner's accuracy depends not only on the quality of the equipment—the actual laser or camera—but also on the software that analyzes the information received from the camera or laser, Crosby says.
Different static dimensioners also require different amounts of labor, according to Crosby. Some require the operator to line up the box or item precisely with the dimensioner's edge and press a button or pass a metal bar over it to get the measurements. These types typically use laser-based technology, he says. Other dimensioners simply require the operator to place the item on or under the dimensioner, which then automatically detects the item and dimensions it in tenths of a second.
MEASURING ON THE MOVE
Compared with static dimensioners, in-motion parcel dimensioners are typically faster and better suited for high-throughput operations. As for how manufacturers define "high-throughput" operations, that can vary. But Hanrahan says that in-line systems are good for operations that ship out 700 cartons or more a day.
In many cases, these tunnels serve not just as dimensioners but also as in-line inspection points that capture the carton's weight, bar code, and other text-based information. Some even take pictures of the parcel to provide a record of its condition at that point in the handling process. Units with these capabilities can be used for pick validation or defect detection before an outbound item or parcel is placed in a truck, Hanrahan says.
In-line systems are typically more expensive than static solutions, but prices have been dropping as camera technology advances, Hanrahan says. He reports that dimensioning software can currently be added to a scanning tunnel for under $5,000.
The one drawback of in-line tunnels is that they don't always work with every shape, says Kim Karvonen, senior sales and business development executive for QubeVu. For this reason, Hanrahan recommends that companies use static dimensioners if they're trying to obtain cube dimensions for slotting, storage, or cartonization purposes.
THE FINAL TEST
Once you've decided what general type of system is right for your operation, it's time to begin evaluating different manufacturers' products. To ensure a fair comparison, Wiley recommends conducting a "bake off" where the systems are compared side by side using the same types of parcels or loads you handle in your daily operations. "Don't take the manufacturers' word for it," he says. "Measure and test for yourself, so that you get the right technology and solution for you."
Eight questions to ask before choosing a dimensioning system
What's the best dimensioning system for you? The answer will depend on your slotting and shipping volume, the size and types of items you handle, and how much you want to spend. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you narrow down your search:
1. What are you dimensioning? This is more than just a matter of knowing whether you'll be measuring parcels, pallets, or letter packs, says Jason Wiley of Mettler Toledo; you also have to consider factors like the items' shape (that is, whether they're regular- or irregular-shaped). Don't immediately assume that all your items are regular-shaped, adds Will Crosby of QubeVu. For example, polybagged items might seem regular-shaped but a package may bulge depending on what's in it or how it's packed—which could prevent some machines from obtaining accurate measurements.
2. What are the maximum/minimum lengths, widths, and heights
3. What is your throughput? Often, this will determine the degree of automation you need.
4. What is the surface of the item that you're dimensioning? Is it shiny? Is it dark? Some systems will have a harder time measuring those items than others, Wiley says. For example, a dimensioner that uses lasers may be better at measuring items with reflective surfaces than one that uses a camera.
5. How much are you willing to invest? When determining how much you can spend on dimensioning equipment, be sure to take into consideration any labor savings that the equipment might provide.
6. How well will the dimensioning system interface with your shipping software—such as UPS WorldShip or FedEx Ship Manager—or your warehouse management system?
7. How fast do items need to be dimensioned? Crosby notes that when comparing the speeds of various models, it's important to consider not just the speed of the equipment itself but also how long it takes the operator to place the object on the dimensioner and complete any steps—like moving arms or pressing buttons—necessary for taking the dimensions.
8. Do you want to capture other information along with the dimensions? In addition to taking an object's measurements, some tabletop and tunnel systems can also determine the item's weight, scan bar codes and text, and even capture an image of the item itself.
Online merchants should consider seven key factors about American consumers in order to optimize their sales and operations this holiday season, according to a report from DHL eCommerce.
First, many of the most powerful sales platforms are marketplaces. With nearly universal appeal, 99% of U.S. shoppers buy from marketplaces, ranked in popularity from Amazon (92%) to Walmart (68%), eBay (47%), Temu (32%), Etsy (28%), and Shein (21%).
Second, they use them often, with 61% of American shoppers buying online at least once a week. Among the most popular items are online clothing and footwear (63%), followed by consumer electronics (33%) and health supplements (30%).
Third, delivery is a crucial aspect of making the sale. Fully 94% of U.S. shoppers say delivery options influence where they shop online, and 45% of consumers abandon their baskets if their preferred delivery option is not offered.
That finding meshes with another report released this week, as a white paper from FedEx Corp. and Morning Consult said that 75% of consumers prioritize free shipping over fast shipping. Over half of those surveyed (57%) prioritize free shipping when making an online purchase, even more than finding the best prices (54%). In fact, 81% of shoppers are willing to increase their spending to meet a retailer’s free shipping threshold, FedEx said.
In additional findings from DHL, the Weston, Florida-based company found:
43% of Americans have an online shopping subscription, with pet food subscriptions being particularly popular (44% compared to 25% globally). Social Media Influence:
61% of shoppers use social media for shopping inspiration, and 26% have made a purchase directly on a social platform.
37% of Americans buy from online retailers in other countries, with 70% doing so at least once a month. Of the 49% of Americans who buy from abroad, most shop from China (64%), followed by the U.K. (29%), France (23%), Canada (15%), and Germany (13%).
While 58% of shoppers say sustainability is important, they are not necessarily willing to pay more for sustainable delivery options.
Schneider says its FreightPower platform now offers owner-operators significantly more access to Schneider’s range of freight options. That can help drivers to generate revenue and strengthen their business through: increased access to freight, high drop and hook rates of over 95% of loads, and a trip planning feature that calculates road miles.
“Collaborating with owner-operators is an important component in the success of our business and the reliable service we can provide customers, which is why the network has grown tremendously in the last 25 years,” Schneider Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Mexico John Bozec said in a release. "We want to invest in tools that support owner-operators in running and growing their businesses. With Schneider FreightPower, they gain access to better load management, increasing their productivity and revenue potential.”
Economic activity in the logistics industry continued its expansion streak in October, growing for the 11th straight month and reaching its highest level in two years, according to the most recent Logistics Managers’ Index report (LMI), released this week.
The LMI registered 58.9, up from 58.6 in September, and continued a run of moderate growth that began late in 2023. The LMI is a monthly measure of business activity across warehousing and transportation markets. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, and a reading below 50 indicates contraction.
October’s reading showed the fastest rate of expansion in the overall index since September of 2022, when the index hit 61.4. The results show that the industry is continuing its steady recovery from the volatility and sluggish freight market conditions that plagued the sector just after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the LMI researchers.
“The big takeaway is that we’re continuing the slow, steady recovery,” said LMI researcher Zac Rogers, associate professor of supply chain management at Colorado State University. “I think, ultimately, it’s better to have the slow and steady recovery because it is more sustainable.”
All eight of the LMI’s indices grew during the month, with the Transportation Prices index showing the most growth, at nearly 6 points higher than September, reflecting increased activity across transportation markets. Transportation capacity expanded slightly during the month, remaining just above the 50-point threshold. Rogers said more capacity will enter the market if prices continue to rise, citing idle capacity across the market due to overbuilding during the pandemic years.
“Normally we don’t have this much slack in the market,” he said. “We overbuilt in 2021, so there’s more slack available to soak up this additional demand.”
The LMI is a monthly survey of logistics managers from across the country. It tracks industry growth overall and across eight areas: inventory levels and costs; warehousing capacity, utilization, and prices; and transportation capacity, utilization, and prices. The report is released monthly by researchers from Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).
The port worker strike that began yesterday on Canada’s west coast could cost that country $765 million a day in lost trade, according to the ALPS Marine analysis by Russell Group, a British data and analytics company.
Specifically, the labor strike at the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey will hurt the commodities of furniture, metal products, meat products, aluminum, and clothing. But since the strike action is focused on stopping containers and general cargo, it will not slow operations in grain vessels or cruise ships, the firm said.
“The Canadian port strike is a microcosm of many of the issues that are impacting Western economies today; protection against automation, better work-life balance, and a cost-of-living crisis,” Russell Group Managing Director Suki Basi said in a release. “Taken together, these pressures are creating a cocktail of connected risk for countries, business, individuals and entire sectors such as marine insurance, which help to mitigate cargo exposures.”
The strike is also sending ripples through neighboring U.S. ports, which are hustling to absorb the diverted cargo, according to David Kamran, assistant vice president for Moody’s Ratings.
“The recurrence of strikes at Canadian seaports is positive for U.S. ports that may gain cargo throughput, depending on the strike duration,” Kamran said in a statement. “The current dispute at Vancouver is another example of the resistance of port unions to automation and the social risk involved with implementing these technologies. Persistent disruption in Canadian port access would strengthen the competitive position of US West Coast ports over the medium-term, as shippers seek to diversify cargo away from unreliable gateways.”
The strike is also affected rail movements, according to ocean cargo carrier Maersk. CN has stopped all international intermodal shipments bound for the west coast ports of Prince Rupert, Robbank, Centerm, Vanterm, and Fraser Surrey Docks. And CPKC has stopped acceptance of all export loads and pre-billed empties destined for Vancouver ports.
Connected with the turmoil, Maersk has suspended its import and export carrier demurrage and detention clock for most affected operations. The ultimate duration of the strike is unknown, but the situation is “rapidly evolving” as talks continue between the Longshore Workers Union (ILWU 514) and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), Maersk said.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Mode Global said it will now assume Jillamy's comprehensive logistics and freight management solutions, while Jillamy's warehousing, packaging and fulfillment services remain unchanged. Under the agreement, Mode Global will gain more than 200 employees and add facilities in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina, Maryland, and Ontario to its existing national footprint.
Chalfont, Pennsylvania-based Jillamy calls itself a 3PL provider with expertise in international freight, intermodal, less than truckload (LTL), consolidation, over the road truckload, partials, expedited, and air freight.
"We are excited to welcome the Jillamy freight team into the Mode Global family," Lance Malesh, Mode’s president and CEO, said in a release. "This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy and aligns perfectly with Mode's strategic vision to expand our footprint, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the logistics industry. Joining forces with Jillamy enhances our service portfolio and provides our clients with more comprehensive and efficient logistics solutions."