Understanding Volumetric Weight (and Why Your Bill Looks Wrong)

Ever shipped something light and got charged like it was a brick? That's volumetric (dimensional) weight at work.

The formula

Couriers bill on whichever is higher: actual weight, or volumetric weight calculated as:

(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000 = volumetric weight in kg

A quick example

A 40 × 40 × 40 cm box of pillows weighs maybe 2 kg, but its volumetric weight is 64000 ÷ 5000 = 12.8 kg. You'll be billed for 12.8 kg.

How to pay less

• Use the smallest box that fits with safe cushioning.
• Compress soft goods with vacuum bags.
• Avoid oversized boxes "just in case".