ITN Auto Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight

Actual weight vs. volumetric weight. This is a concept that many people who don’t do regular international shipping struggle to understand every time they come across it. You’ve probably bumped into a shipper who asks about the actual and volumetric weights of your package when shipping a parcel overseas. Then it got you wondering what could these weights be. Well, most people only know about pounds (lbs.) or kilograms (kgs).

Shipping goods internationally depends on various factors especially when choosing the shipping mode, prices, and other additional services. In the context of courier service providers and freight industries, volumetric weight is key information used for billing the actual space occupied by goods in transit.

What Is an Actual Weight?

As the name suggests, the actual weight of a package is the physical weight typically measured in standard units like kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs.). When people refer to the weight of an object, they usually mean the actual weight, which is measured on a scale.

What is Volumetric weight?

When calculating weight, confusion starts to kick in for most people when the subject changes to volumetric weight. Also known as the dimensional weight, volumetric weight is the weight of an object based on its volume with consideration to its shape and size. There are formulas used by shippers to calculate volumetric weight, which is then used to determine the chargeable shipping cost. This measurement will mostly be used when a package is disproportionately bigger than its actual weight.

Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why can’t shippers just use the actual weight?” The reason is that in the shipping industry, every inch of space matters. There will always be packages with much lower actual weight but occupy larger volumes. If shippers were to use the actual weight only, then they would lose a lot of money on disproportionately bigger but lighter items.

Therefore, don’t be surprised that a shipment of feather pillows costs more to ship than a similar shipment of mobile phones.

How to calculate volumetric weight

When it comes to calculating volumetric weight, the parameters used often vary by the transport mode and freight forwarder. Using a volumetric weight formula involves determining the volume of the package first by multiplying the length by width by height. The result is then divided by a predetermined divisor. Here’s how to calculate volumetric weight:

a) Measure your package’s length, width, and height in centimetres or inches.

b) Multiply these dimensions to find the volume of the package.

c) Divide the result by the dimensional factor (divisor), which often varies according to a shipper.

Volumetric weight (VW) = (Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H)) / Divisor (D)

Let’s say your package measures 30.78” (78 cm)˜ x 23.45” (60 cm)˜ x 17.50” (44 cm)˜ and the shipper’s dimensional factor is 170, the volumetric weight would be calculated as follows: (30.78” (78 cm)˜ x 23.45” (60 cm)˜ x 17.50” (44 cm)˜)/170 = 74.30

The shipping carrier will the calculate weight difference to find out which one is higher between actual and volumetric. If the latter is higher than the former weight, the shipper will charge you based on the former. Every shipper has their predetermined rate for different categories of volumetric weights. You can therefore do this calculation beforehand to find an estimated figure you’ll pay for your package to its destination.

Actual Weight Vs. Volumetric Weight - What are The Practical Implications?

While it may be of less significance to understand actual weight vs. volumetric weight better, it can be a cost saver if you ship regularly. Even if you’re not a regular shopper, it feels good to avoid some expenses when buying something. The following are practical scenarios that may help you reduce your shipping costs:

Light bulky packages

If your items are lightweight but occupy a lot of space, your shipping cost will most likely be based on volumetric weight. You may end up paying more than if actual weight were to be used instead.

Heavy compact packages

Conversely, packages that are heavy and compact don’t occupy much space and your shipping cost will be determined by actual weight.

ITN Auto

Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight