Calculate volumetric weight for courier shipments from India

Volumetric weight calculation should be done very appropriately to maintain minimal costs. Logistics carriers often calculate the cost of transportation. If the volumetric calculation goes wrong, it will end up with you either paying more shipping costs or charging your customers way less than you should. 

With transportation costs increasing day by day, it is essential to use volumetric calculations. It will not only give you the correct transportation cost but also help you save money by paying the optimal price for shipping.

What is Volumetric Weight?

Courier companies use a pricing technique called volumetric weight. Sometimes the volume of the package affects the cost, which is why it should be considered as well. Courier companies identify the transportation cost of the package based on the weight, whichever is higher, i.e., the actual weight or the dimensional (volumetric) weight.

However, the pricing is usually charged based on the volumetric weight of goods. For example, if your package is lightweight but larger in size, it makes sense to calculate the shipping cost based on the volume of your package.

Difference Between Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight

The actual weight refers to the weight of the package when it is measured on a weighing machine. Whereas the volumetric weight refers to the space the package is going to occupy. The shipping charges are often based on whichever is higher.

Even if the package is lightweight but occupies a larger area, the charges will be applicable as per the volumetric weight. In order to keep the shipping charges minimal, it is advised to check the weight and pack it well with minimal surface area.

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight?

Understanding how to calculate volumetric weight can help you avoid unexpected costs. To calculate the length, width, and height should be multiplied and then divided by the divisor(usually 5000, but some carriers use 4000 or 6000). For example, if your box measures 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm, then 50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 5000 = 12 kg. If the actual weight is around 9.5 kg, you will still be charged for 12 kg. Use MyXBorder’s calculator for quick and accurate package weight calculations.

Volumetric Weights and Shipping Costs

For international shipping from India, many courier services calculate the cost based on volumetric weight. Even if your package is lightweight, if it consumes a larger space in logistics, the billing will be based on the volume. This may come as a surprise to people who expect to be charged based only on weight. Understanding volumetric weights helps cut down costs through better packaging and choosing a courier service that charges fairly for shipping.

Avoid These Mistakes While Calculating Volumetric Weights

Even the smallest mistakes can result in higher shipping costs. One of the most common mistakes is using inches instead of centimetres. Also, rounding up the measurements can result in higher costs for your package.

It is advisable to measure the outer edges of the package, not the product, to get correct measurements. Use a proper calculator to estimate volumetric weights. This will help you save time and keep your shipping costs manageable.

International Shipments

During international shipments, it becomes even more important to have proper pricing. That is why volumetric weight is used to avoid exceeding the budget. Even a few extra centimetres can increase your package cost. It is crucial to use volumetric weight correctly for international shipments from India, whether it's documents, electronics, or personal items.

Try to use packaging that is compact and not oversized, so you pay the correct amount. International Shipments have a strict process and system, so pack your courier to avoid customs hassle.

How to Decrease Volumetric Weights?

Reducing volumetric weight will result in lower shipping costs. Avoid using oversized boxes for smaller items. Try to pack tightly without extra or unnecessary space. Use bubble wrap to reduce the box dimensions. If you are shipping multiple items, bundle them together to avoid using multiple boxes. 

These techniques not only lower shipping costs but also make your courier experience smoother and more efficient in India. Making a few changes and taking care of the smaller things can help reduce courier charges and result in Decreased Volumetric Weights.