The cost of your shipment is determined by one of two methods: volumetric weight (also known as cubic weight or dimensional weight) and dead weight (also referred to as actual weight). Understanding how volumetric weight is calculated can save you on shipping costs. Reducing your parcel dimensions and packing it right makes all the difference. In this article, we tell you how! But first, let's understand the difference between volumetric weight and dead weight.
What is Volumetric versus Dead Weight?
Volumetric weight and dead weight are two methods used to calculate the billable weight for a shipment. Volumetric weight is also commonly referred to as dimensional weight or 'DIM' weight. You'll see these terms used the same way across different couriers and freight providers.
Dead weightis the package's weight, rounded up to the next kilogram. A package that weighs 6.6kg would have an actual weight of 7kg.
Your billable charge will be the greater of the two, dead or volumetric. If the actual dead weight of your parcel is 7kg but the dimensional volumetric weight is 5.5kg, you will be charged at the greater weight of 7kg.
Volumetric weight takes into consideration the density of a package. This is the amount of space a package occupies compared to the dead weight.
When you book a delivery through our website you need to indicate the length, width and the height of the parcel. These measurements will allow us to calculate the volumetric weight and compare it to the dead weight, which you also indicate when booking with us.
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height) ÷ divisor
The divisor varies depending on the service type and carrier:
- Domestic Road Freight: Typically ÷ 4,000 or 5,000
- International Air Freight: Typically ÷ 5,000
- Carriers like DHL use ÷ 5,000 for international shipments
- StarTrack applies cubic weight calculations for domestic freight, using similar length x width x height measurements
Here’s a quick worked example using the standard formula: A box measuring 40cm (L) x 30cm (W) x 20cm (H): 40 x 30 x 20 = 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8kg volumetric weight, rounded up to 5kg. If the box’s actual weight is 3kg, you’d be charged at 5kg, as it is the greater of the two.
Some carriers refer to this charge as volumetric weight, others as dimensional weight, but both means the same thing. This is because couriers charge you not only for how heavy your parcel is, but for the physical space it occupies in their truck or aircraft. When calculating volumetric weight, most shipping carriers request that you round up to the nearest whole number.
Understanding how carriers determine the billable weight
One of the main issues determining volumetric weight is understanding the systems used by carriers to calculate these charges.
Many large courier companies use automated (in-line) conveyor systems that calculate the dead weight and the volumetric weight.
These automatic systems provide the volumetric and dead weight of your shipments quickly and without human intervention. The automated devices measure the largest dimension on each axis without taking into account if it is an actual part of the box; a fat packet of documents, bulging flap or an irregular shape all add to the volumetric calculation.
While it is important to keep the size of the carton to a minimum, it is also important to find boxes that fit the item to be shipped properly. If an irregular item is presented to most carriers, they will calculate the volumetric weight based on the largest measurements obtained by the automatic dimensioning systems. This information is then uploaded into the carriers billing system and used to determine the billable weight for invoicing. We show you the right method to measure your shipping box:
- Length measurement needs to be taken where the item is longest
- Width measurement needs to be taken where the item is widest
- Height needs to be measured from the bottom of the item to its highest point (including the pallet or skid the items are on)
Freight and courier drivers rely on knowing the sizes and weights of their cargo to be able to plan and carry out deliveries as safely and efficiently as possible. In addition, giving the correct size and weight information helps us provide you with an accurate quote, delivery time, and allows the carrier to allocate an appropriate vehicle for transportation.
How to reduce shipping costs
Smart shippers need to pay attention to volumetric weight. It can make a huge difference in your shipping costs. If you don't consider dimensional weight, you could easily run into over or undercharges.
Another thing to consider is that when you use a box that is too large, not only will you pay more based on the volumetric weight, but you're also more likely to experience issues with damaged goods. If items are packed loosely, they are more likely to shift and get damaged in transit. You may also end up paying more for the actual packaging as larger boxes typically cost more, and you'll need to use additional filler material.
- Reduce your box size: Try to pack items as compactly as possible. If you're filling half of the box with foam packing or airbags, then you're likely overpaying to ship the item.
- Use polybags or padded envelopes: Where possible, use polybags or padded envelopes to ship non fragile products.
- Use a live shipping calculator at checkout: For e-Commerce businesses we recommend integrating a live shipping calculator at checkout which enables you to display accurate delivery costs to your customers. The Interparcel Smart Boxing feature can help reduce your costs by helping you pack multi item orders efficiently. You define your box sizes and our algorithm will combine products into as few boxes as possible.
- Import - Request the shipper to provide the exact measurements: Reach out to your shipper and request they provide exact weight and dimensions, not approximates. Be precise and clear when requesting this information to avoid extra costs. One of the main concerns from an importer's perspective is that you can view the item you have purchased, but you can't see the external packaging it's being sent in.
The good news? With Interparcel, you don't need to calculate volumetric weight yourself. Simply enter your parcel's origin, destination, weight, and dimensions into our shipping calculator, and we'll automatically compare rates across 17+ couriers, factoring in both dead and volumetric weight, so you always get the most accurate price. Get a quote today!
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