What is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric Weight, also known as Dimensional weight, DIM weight, or cubed weight, is a method employed by shipping companies and cargo airlines to determine the weight of a package based on its volume, rather than its actual physical weight. This concept acknowledges that large, lightweight packages occupy more space in a transportation vehicle, impacting logistics efficiency and costs.
Calculation Method:
The calculation of Volumetric Weight involves a straightforward formula:
In this formula:
Length, Width, and Height: These dimensions are measured in centimeters.
5000: The divisor is a constant that represents the volumetric conversion factor. It is used to standardize that each 5000 cm³ will be charged as a kilogram
For example, if a package has dimensions of 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm, its Volumetric Weight would be calculated as follows:
This means that, regardless of its actual weight, the shipping fee for this package would be based on a weight of 1.2 kilograms due to its volumetric size.
Actual Weight:
The actual weight of the shipment, including the product, packaging, and any pallets or materials used for shipping.
Volumetric Weight:
Calculated based on the package's dimensions (length, width, and height). This is because larger, more bulky packages can take up more space on the carrier's vehicle or plane, even if they don't weigh much.
Chargeable Weight:
Carriers uses whichever of these two weights (actual or volumetric) is greater to determine the shipping rate. And as shipping rates are charged per 0.5 kg, the chargeable weight of a package is rounded up per 0.5 kg too.
Practical Considerations:
Measurement Accuracy:
Accurate measurements are crucial for a precise Volumetric Weight calculation. It's advisable to measure the package at its longest points and round up to the next whole number.
Irregular Shapes:
In the case of irregular-shaped packages, identifying the cubic shape that the package fully fits into is essential. This ensures an accurate representation of the space it occupies.
Bulging or Bending:
If a package bulges or bends due to its contents, the measurements should include these bulges to capture the true volumetric size.
Practical Example:
Consider a scenario where a package has dimensions of 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm. Although its actual weight might be less than 1.2 kg, the shipping fee will be calculated based on the Volumetric Weight of 1.2 kg, reflecting its spatial impact during transportation.
Conclusion:
Understanding Volumetric Weight is crucial for anyone shipping items, especially if they're lightweight but bulky. Knowing how it's calculated and considering practical details helps shippers pack smarter, save money, and make shipping more efficient.