What is volumetric weight? How is it calculated?
The volumetric weight explained by Secursus:
In logistics and in the transportation field, package weight is important, but so is the space that a particular package expedited takes up. For some shipping carriers and like UPS, the package dimensions has a huge impact on the shipping price in addition to the package weight.
The volumetric weight is a pricing principle that allows carriers to set the shipping price according to the shipment volume , in addition to their actual weight and dimensions.
Also called "dimensional weight" or "volume weight", the volumetric weight is the volume occupied by a package when it is shipped.
Indeed, when you think about it: a kilo or a kilogram of feathers is worth a kilo or a kilogram of lead, but the space occupied by the package will not be the same. This is where the volumetric weight comes in!
The volumetric weight generally concerns air shipments to foreign countries. The carrier will consider the higher weight: either the actual weight or the volumetric weight.
If you ship fragile or bulky products, your packages will probably be charged by volume weight by the carrier. We advise you to optimize the filling and packing of your packages in order to reduce the shipping volume of your deliveries.
In particular, you can calculate in advance the volumetric weight of the boxes you use, which can help you control your transportation budget. Remember also to have a complete range of packaging adapted to all your products!
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How to calculate the volumetric weight?
To determine the volumetric weight, you will use the length (L), width (W) and height (H) of the package, divided by 5000.
Here is how it is calculated: Volumetric weight = ( Length in cm x Width in cm x Height in cm ) / 5000
Let's take an example. A package of one kilo with the following dimensions: L = 30 l = 26 h = 13 / 5000 This package will have a volumetric weight of : (30 x 26 x 13) /5000 = 10 140 /5000 = 2 Kg The invoicing applied will therefore be for 2 kg, because here the volumetric weight is greater than the real weight of the box.
If the volumetric weight is greater than the weight of the package, it's the volumetric weight that will be taken into account by the carrier!
When is the volumetric weight used?
It is generally used for air shipments, but more and more carriers want to apply it for their non-air shipments, for example road and sea.
The billable weight depends on the carriers. If you ship via Fedex (FedEx express or FedEx ground), via DHL (DHL express, DHL global..), UPS (UPS ground), then you will have to calculate your shipping cost wisely because they do apply the volumetric weight for domestic and international shipments.
Express carriers such as TNT usually charge by volume for international shipments but not for domestic shipments. Finally, DPD generally applies billing by actual weight for short distances, and by volume for long distances.
To avoid any inconvenience, we invite you to always consult the general conditions of the carrier you have chosen!
Volumetric weight: our advice to pay less!
We advise you to pay attention to the packaging (carton, envelope, pallet etc) of your items, because it will in fact determine the weigh and the shipping prices. The shipping costs will be based as well on the shipping method, shipping services and shipping options (shipping charges, delivery time, delivery options, next-day, same day shipping, saturday delviery or shipping carrier used...)
If you pack a phone, for example, with a package that could contain a TV, it will cost you more even if the package is lighter, because of the oversized packaging. Otherwise, send several packages in one package; one that is as stiff as it is light.
It would also be wise to calculate the volumetric weight of the package because it is very likely that the latter will be charged and not the actual weight of the goods, according to the carrier.
Thus, we invite you to use adequate packaging for your parcels (bubble wrap or cardboard boxes..) and to adapt your packages to the contents of the parcel in order to maximize your shipments, especially internationally.
Secursus does not exclude the protection of goods such as watches, jewelries, art or second-hand items as other insurance shipping company do. Except for dangerous goods and illegals items.
If you need some help and how to measure your box for shipping, this guide is for you!
Volumetric weight FAQ
How to calculate volumetric weight for air-freight ?
The formula to calculate the chargeable weight or volume weight for air-freight is: (length x height x width) / divisor = volume weight in kg. You can easily find an online volume calculator or weight calculator to get very precise idea of your shipping costs.
How does USPS calculate cubic pricing?
To calculate cubic pricing you need to measure your shipment to see if the dimensions qualify. Cubic pricing is measured by this calculation: length x width x height / 1,728 = cubic feet.
Does flat rate shipping go by weight?
The weight of a package does not affect the cost of shipping with flat-rate shipping. If you ship heavy packages, then this will save you money. In fact, flat-rate shipping can be more expensive if your packages are not weighing much.
How to calculate volumetric weight for road-freight?
When calculating the road freight volumetric weight, you can either calculate the volumetric weight in meters or centimeters, by multiplying length X weight X height. In most cases, you then need to divide this number by 5000 (it can be 400 depending on the freight carriers or shipping companies you use).
