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The dimensional weight surcharge is applied primarily to packages that are shipped using Priority Mail. This charge is intended to account for the size of the package in relation to its weight, ensuring that shipping costs are reflective of the space that a package occupies in transit, rather than just its actual weight.

Because Priority Mail often involves a variety of package sizes, the dimensional weight method helps the Postal Service manage the balance between volume and weight to optimize shipping efficiency. The smaller, lighter items that take up more space will incur this surcharge to cover the higher costs associated with transporting bulkier items, regardless of their weight.

Other categories of mail, such as Standard, First-Class, or Express, may have different weight calculation methods or may not be subject to the same dimensional weight considerations, making Priority Mail the specific type of mail that is subject to this surcharge.