When you ship a parcel or a pallet, carriers do not only look at how heavy it is. They also look at how much space it takes up on the aircraft, vehicle or container. That is why every international quote is based on a chargeable weight, which is the higher of two figures: the actual weight and the volumetric weight.
You pay for whichever is greater: the weight of your shipment or the space it occupies.
Volumetric weight is calculated from the dimensions of the packed shipment. Multiply length by width by height in centimetres, then divide by the carrier’s divisor. For express parcels the divisor is commonly 5,000 or 6,000, depending on the carrier and service. A box measuring 60 x 40 x 40 cm therefore has a volumetric weight of 19.2 kg at a divisor of 5,000, even if it only weighs 8 kg on the scale. Ocean and road freight use different methods, often pricing by cubic metre or by pallet space, so bulky but light cargo is often far better value by sea or road than by air.
Trimming a box down to fit its contents is the quickest way to reduce a shipping bill. There are simple ways to keep chargeable weight down. Use the smallest box that safely protects your goods, avoid over-sized outer cartons, and consolidate several small items into one well-packed shipment where it makes sense. When you request a quote from us, include the packed dimensions as well as the weight. We then check which service gives you the best balance of cost and speed for your shipment, and we show you clearly in writing how the price has been worked out before you decide to book anything.
Ready to ship? Send your details through our free quote form and our team will reply by email with clear options, estimated transit times and a full written price. There is no cost and no obligation to book, and every enquiry goes directly to parcel@courierlogisticsnet.com.
No comment