What is volumetric weight?

What is volumetric weight and how to calculate it?

According to the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA / IATA), air delivery takes into account the bulk weight of the parcel.

The volumetric weight of shipment is the calculated value reflecting the density of the cargo. As a rule, a less dense object occupies a larger volume of space compared to a denser object of the same weight. The volumetric weight is calculated and compared with the actual weight of the shipment to determine which one is the largest. The larger weight is used to calculate the cost of the shipment. This rule increases the efficiency of packaging. The use of more compact and light packaging reduces the volume of items and leads to a reduction in their value. Our company almost always tries to pack the package so that the bulk weight does not exceed the actual weight. To reduce the volumetric weight, we select boxes of the right size or cut the packaging.

In case of excess weight over physical weight, the shipment tariff is determined in accordance with the volumetric weight, which, in general, is calculated by the following formula:

Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) / 5000 = Volumetric weight (kg).

For example:
The actual weight of the parcel is 9 kg. However, the parcel contains shoes in boxes and it's size is 44 x 46 x 34 cm. If everything is multiplied and divided by 5000, it turns out that the volume is 13.76 - the courier will use this weight and therefore the delivery cost will increase.

We always ask our customers about if they would like to remove hangers or shoe boxes as they increase the parcel volume. The most voluminous things are children's toys that can not be put together. Keep that in mind while making purchases.