Is shipping charged by weight or volume?

Shipping Charges: Weight vs. Volume

When shipping items, understanding the basis for shipping costs is crucial. Many carriers determine these costs based on the greater of two factors: actual weight or volumetric weight.

Actual Weight

The actual weight of an item is simply its mass, measured in pounds, kilograms, or other relevant units. This is the most straightforward measure of weight and is often used for dense items like machinery or tools.

Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight is a calculation based on an item’s dimensions (length, width, and height) and a standard factor called the dimensional weight divisor. The calculation is:

Volumetric Weight = (Volume of Package) ÷ (Dimensional Weight Divisor)

For example, suppose an item measures 10″ x 10″ x 10″ and the dimensional weight divisor is 166. The volumetric weight would be calculated as follows:

Volumetric Weight = (10" x 10" x 10" ÷ 166) = 6.02 lbs

Determining Shipping Costs

Carriers typically use the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight to determine shipping costs. This is because volumetric weight ensures that items taking up more space in a shipment are charged appropriately.

For example, a lightweight item with a large volume, such as a stuffed animal, may have a higher volumetric weight than its actual weight. In such cases, the volumetric weight would be used to calculate shipping costs.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight is essential when budgeting for shipping costs. By considering both factors, shippers can ensure that they accurately calculate shipping charges and avoid unexpected costs.