📦 Understanding Shipping Charges: Volumetric vs Weight-Based Shipping

Shipping costs are typically calculated in two ways: Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight. Knowing the difference helps businesses and customers get accurate shipping estimates and avoid surprises.

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✈️ What is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) reflects how much space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. This method is used when a package is light but bulky, and it takes up more room in the delivery vehicle or cargo hold.

📐 Formula:

(Length × Breadth × Height) / 5000

• Dimensions in centimeters (cm)
• Resulting volumetric weight in kilograms (kg)

🔍 Example:

A box that is 50cm × 40cm × 30cm weighs only 3kg, but its volumetric weight is:
(50 × 40 × 30) / 5000 = 12kg

Even though it weighs 3kg, you may be charged for 12kg due to its volume.

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🏋️ What is Weight-Based Shipping?

Weight-based shipping is straightforward: it charges based on the actual weight of the package as measured on a scale.

🔍 Example:

If your parcel weighs 7kg, you’ll be billed exactly for 7kg, regardless of its size.

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⚖️ Which Rate is Used?

Couriers compare both the volumetric weight and actual weight, then charge you based on whichever is higher.

This ensures:

• Fair use of cargo space
• Accurate billing for oversized but lightweight items

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✅ Benefits of Understanding These Methods:

• 💸 Transparent Pricing: Know what you’re paying for
• 📦 Optimized Packaging: Avoid extra costs by reducing box size
• 📊 Better Business Planning: Estimate shipping costs before sending
• 🚀 Fair Logistics: Balances space and weight in transportation

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💡 Tip for Businesses:

Use our Shipping Calculator to compare volumetric vs weight-based shipping costs instantly and choose the most cost-effective method.