Quick Summary
When booking a shipment, you need to provide your parcel's weight and dimensions. Couriers may calculate the parcel's actual weight and volumetric weight, then use the applicable chargeable weight to determine the shipping rate.
Actual weight is the physical weight of your parcel measured using a weighing scale.
Volumetric weight is calculated based on the parcel's dimensions. The calculation method may vary depending on the courier.
We'll Cover:
What are actual weight and volumetric weight?
Actual weight is the physical weight of your parcel measured using a weighing scale.
Volumetric weight is calculated based on the length, width, and height of your parcel. It represents the space your parcel occupies during transportation.
The volumetric weight calculation may vary depending on the courier. Common formulas include:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000
or
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000
You can check the applicable calculation method when selecting a courier.
How is volumetric weight calculated?
You can calculate your parcel's volumetric weight by measuring its length, width, and height, then applying the formula used by your selected courier.
For example, if your parcel measures:
- Length: 30 cm
- Width: 30 cm
- Height: 40 cm
Using a divisor of 5000:
(30 × 30 × 40) ÷ 5000 = 7.2 kg
Using a divisor of 6000:
(30 × 30 × 40) ÷ 6000 = 6 kg
You can also use the EasyParcel Volumetric Weight Calculator to calculate the volumetric weight of your parcel.
How do I determine the chargeable weight of my parcel?
The chargeable weight is the weight used by the courier to determine your shipping rate.
Couriers compare your parcel's actual weight and volumetric weight according to their applicable calculation method. The applicable chargeable weight is then used to determine the shipping cost.
For example:
Actual weight: 5 kg
Volumetric weight: 7.2 kg
The chargeable weight would be 7.2 kg.
Why do couriers use volumetric weight?
A parcel may have a low actual weight but still take up a significant amount of space during transportation.
Volumetric weight allows couriers to account for the space occupied by larger, lightweight parcels when calculating shipping rates.
Why is it important to provide accurate weight and dimensions?
Providing accurate parcel weight and dimensions helps ensure that your shipping cost is calculated correctly.
If the actual parcel weight or dimensions differ from the information provided during booking, the courier may recalculate the chargeable weight and apply additional charges.