{"id":70,"date":"2017-05-05T16:42:48","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T16:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myukmailbox.com\/blog\/what-is-volumetric-weight-and-how-is-it-calculated\/"},"modified":"2022-06-23T15:35:26","modified_gmt":"2022-06-23T15:35:26","slug":"what-is-volumetric-weight-and-how-is-it-calculated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myukmailbox.com\/blog\/what-is-volumetric-weight-and-how-is-it-calculated\/","title":{"rendered":"Volume Weight: What Is It, and How Does It Affect Shipping Costs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How many of you have been on your holibobs with a suitcase that needs the weight of a human to close it? Everyone, right? But did you know couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS have this space-related problem every day when transporting goods? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, there\u2019s only so much space in a ship, plane, train or truck. And couriers need a way to maximise their capacity and ultimately, their revenue. A big part of this is making the most of lightweight items that occupy a lot of space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say hello to volumetric weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is volumetric weight? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Volume weight is what shipping companies use to calculate the price of a parcel. It takes into account the dimensions of the parcel and its weight, as opposed to weight alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as being the most profitable way for shopping companies to charge for the space a parcel takes up, it also ensures there\u2019s as little empty space as possible in the delivery vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So, when and why is it used? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most couriers use volume weight to calculate shipping costs, including FedEx, DHL and UPS. They do this because it provides the most accurate price, taking into account the size and weight of the parcel. But how is it calculated? Well let me explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s say you have two parcels: parcel one is a large box that weighs 5 kg and parcel two is a small box that weighs 9 kg. Because of its size, parcel one will take up more space. So, to maximise capacity in the delivery vehicle, the courier will charge more for the larger parcel if the volume weight is higher\u2014 despite its physical weight being less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a courier is transporting a lot of large and light parcels, there will be fewer parcels in the vehicle than if they were carrying small and heavy items. By using volume weight, couriers can account for the space a parcel takes up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And why do I need to know about it? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Volume weight affects anyone that regularly ships goods. So, knowing the calculations behind shipping fees and staying up to date with any changes that might affect the cost of shipping is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price of volume weight could leave you unable to ship goods internationally, whether by air, sea or land. If this happens, it could leave you unable to ship your goods, as the cost of shipping may exceed the amount you paid for the items. This is why it\u2019s important to understand which items make sense financially if you\u2019re receiving them internationally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re sending goods for business purposes, understanding shipping costs and staying up to date with fees could be the difference between fulfilling customers\u2019 orders on time and leaving them in limbo. It\u2019s also wise to plan, too. This reduces the risk of any surprises that could leave you low on stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Difference between volume weight and physical weight <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One second while I fetch my physics cap. But no \u2014 don’t worry, we\u2019re here to keep things simple. And anyhow, the difference between volume and physical weight is super straightforward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n