UPS recently joined FedEx in announcing it would adopt a "dimensional weighting" programs on ground shipments over 3 cubic feet, after the carriers had already launched such programs for air shipments and larger ground service parcels.

What is that all about? In great summary, if a parcel's cube exceeds what the carriers view as the correct weight for that size shipment, they will up the weight based on an arbitrary factor to a higher level and thus charge a higher rate.

Experts say the impact could be increased shipping costs of 5 to as much as 25% - if shippers don't take action.

One such expert in Jerry Hempstead, former DHL executive and now independent consultant to parcel shippers. He and SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore discuss the impact of this new program on shippers - and wha they can do in response.

Not to be missed by parcel shippers. View the video now below.