Pricing
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight, turns the size of a box into a weight. Couriers charge whichever is higher: that or the real weight.
The formula
Length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 5,000. Some air cargo uses 6,000. In inches, divide by 305 (or 366 for cargo).
Examples
| Box (cm) | Actual weight | Volumetric weight | Charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 20 × 15 | 3 kg | 1.8 kg | 3 kg |
| 50 × 40 × 30 | 6 kg | 12 kg | 12 kg |
| 60 × 50 × 40 | 10 kg | 24 kg | 24 kg |
Why it exists
Planes run out of space before they run out of weight capacity when they carry light, bulky parcels. Volumetric weight makes the price reflect the space a parcel takes.
How to reduce it
- Pick a box that fits the contents closely
- Vacuum-seal soft items like clothes and bedding
- Remove bulky retail packaging from items that do not need it
- Do not fill gaps with crumpled paper if you can use a smaller box instead
Try it with the volumetric weight calculator.