SHIPPING CALCULATOR

Find Your Chargeable Shipping Weight

📦 How Are Shipping Charges Calculated?

Shipping charges are generally calculated using two weights:

  • Actual Weight – the physical weight of your parcel.
  • Volumetric Weight – the space your parcel occupies.

What is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is based on the space a package occupies, not just how heavy it is.

This method is used when a parcel is:

  • Light in weight
  • Large in size (bulky)
  • Takes up more space in aircraft or cargo containers

So even if your package is light, you may still be charged more because it occupies valuable cargo space.

📐 Formula:

Length × Width × 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.

⚖️ What Is Actual Weight?

Weight-based shipping uses the actual physical weight of the package measured on a scale.

This method is used when:

The size does not take up much space

The package is small and compact

The parcel is dense and heavy

🔍 Example:

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

⚖️ 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

✅ Benefits of Understanding These Methods:

  • 💸 Transparent Pricing: Know exactly how your shipping charges are calculated.
  • 📦 Optimized Packaging: Reduce costs by minimizing box size and unused space.
  • 📊 Better Business Planning: Estimate shipping costs accurately before sending parcels.
  • 🚀 Fair Logistics: Balances space and weight in transportation

💡 Tip for Businesses:

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

🚫 What Can and Cannot Be Shipped?

Prohibited & Restricted Items Guide

International shipping rules vary by destination country, courier and item type. Some products may require special documentation or approval, while others cannot be shipped internationally.

Please check the following guide before sending your parcel.

🟢 Generally Allowed

Apparel & Textiles

  • Sarees
  • Ethnic wear
  • Clothing
  • Handloom products
  • Fashion accessories

Home Décor & Handicrafts

  • Brassware such as Nilavilakku and Uruli
  • Wooden handicrafts
  • Traditional metalware
  • Home furnishings

Books & Stationery

  • Books
  • Novels
  • Journals
  • Paper products

Other Non-Perishable Items

  • Artwork
  • Dry handicrafts
  • Other suitable dry goods

🟡 Restricted / May Require Special Handling

Some items may be accepted only when they meet courier, airline and destination-country requirements.

Food & Spices

  • Commercially packaged and properly labelled spices
  • Vacuum-sealed dry food products

Fresh food, homemade food products and certain agricultural products may be restricted by the destination country.

Medicines & Ayurveda Products

  • Some medicines may require original packaging
  • Prescription documentation may be required
  • Clear product labelling may be required

Acceptance depends on the destination country’s regulations and the courier’s requirements.

Electronics & Battery-Powered Devices

  • Laptops and other devices containing lithium batteries may be subject to transport restrictions.
  • Loose lithium batteries and power banks have additional air-transport requirements.

🔴 Prohibited / Cannot Be Shipped

The following categories are generally not accepted for international shipment:

Flammable & Dangerous Items

  • Perfumes and flammable liquids
  • Aerosols
  • Nail polish and certain solvent-based cosmetics
  • Lighters and matches
  • Explosives and other dangerous substances

Illegal & Controlled Items

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Toxic or hazardous substances
  • Other items prohibited by law

Currency & Certain Valuables

  • Cash
  • Coins
  • Negotiable instruments
  • Certain precious metals or bullion

Perishable & Animal Products

  • Meat
  • Dairy products
  • Fresh food
  • Certain animal-derived products
  • Protected wildlife products

Wildlife products can be subject to international CITES controls and may require permits or documentation.

💬 Not Sure If Your Item Can Be Shipped?

Don’t guess. Ask us before purchasing or sending the item.

If you’re unsure about a particular spice, food product, medicine, handicraft or other item, contact Collab Shipping and our team can check the applicable shipping requirements.

Scroll to Top