What determines if dimensional weight pricing applies?

Dimensional weight pricing is a shipping concept that helps carriers determine how much to charge for shipping based on the package's size in relation to its weight. This pricing model is essential for ensuring that the shipping costs reflect both the physical space a package occupies in the delivery vehicle and its actual weight.

The correct answer considers both the size and weight of the package because dimensional weight pricing applies in situations where the package is large but light, which means it takes up more space than what its weight would suggest. Carriers measure the dimensions of the package, calculate the cubic size, and then compare it to the actual weight. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, the carrier will charge based on dimensional weight. This method helps balance the capacity of the vehicle with the shipping rates.

The other options focus on a singular aspect – either just the weight, the type of items, or the destination – which does not fully encompass the dimensional weight pricing method utilized by the USPS and other carriers. Hence, focusing on both size and weight provides a comprehensive understanding necessary for correctly assessing shipping costs under this pricing structure.