Abstract: A package dimensioner and reader having a reference surface to support an object; a measurement system comprising at least one laser above the reference surface generating at least one laser beam directed towards the reference surface, and a first optical detection device above the reference surface and adjacent to the at least one laser; and a processor operatively connected to the measurement system to process an image view captured by the optical detection device. The image view comprises an object image and a laser beam image. Based on the image view the processor calculates characteristics of the box such as the height. Other characteristics of the object may be determined such a length, width, and weight, sender or receiver information, and other related information regarding the transit of the object. The package dimensioner and reader may further comprise a second optical detection device to capture other information regarding the object.