What is volumetric weight in shipping and how to calculate it accurately and easily?
Jul 18, 2023
Did you know that the actual weight of the shipment is completely different from the volumetric weight, and that the actual weight is not the only factor affecting the shipping cost calculation?
The example of cotton and iron is always used to differentiate between the terms volumetric weight and actual weight.
If we compare a shipment with an actual weight of 100 kilograms of cotton and a shipment with an actual weight of 100 kilograms of iron, certainly both shipments have the same actual weight, but the volumetric weight of each is different from the other, as the volume of cotton will be much larger than the volume of iron.
In this article, we will discuss the concept of volumetric weight in shipping and how to calculate it, the reason for the increase in volumetric weight of parcels and shipments, and the differences between it and actual weight.
What is the Actual Weight of the Shipment?
It is simply the real or physical weight of the shipment, and it means the amount of its weight in kilograms or other weights used by shipping companies.
Therefore, it is easy to determine the actual weight because it is a direct measure of the mass of the shipment body, and it is calculated based on approved shipping weights using specialized scales to measure the shipment weight.
What is Volumetric Weight in Shipping?
Volumetric weight in the field of shipping is related to the dimensions of the shipment or parcel, and it expresses the way in which the amount of space the shipment will occupy on the various means of transport used in the shipping process, whether these means are land, sea, or air, is measured.
We would like to point out that volumetric weight is also called Dimensional Weight and is no less important than the actual weight of parcels, as shipping companies need to know both weights to calculate shipping costs for shipments accurately.
What is the Difference Between Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight?
In reality, there are some subtle differences between the volumetric weight and the actual weight of parcels, and we can summarize these differences in several points:
The actual weight represents the real weight of the parcels, which is known through approved scales, while the volumetric weight expresses the space the shipments will occupy according to their dimensions inside the various means of transport.
The volumetric weight of the shipment is known through the use of certain mathematical formulas, while the actual weight is known after packing and packaging the shipment by placing it on an approved digital scale.
Shipping cost is determined by specialized companies based on the density of the shipment in volumetric weight, while it is determined by kilograms in actual weight.
Did you know that the actual weight of the shipment is completely different from the volumetric weight, and that the actual weight is not the only factor affecting the shipping cost calculation?
The example of cotton and iron is always used to differentiate between the terms volumetric weight and actual weight.
If we compare a shipment with an actual weight of 100 kilograms of cotton and a shipment with an actual weight of 100 kilograms of iron, certainly both shipments have the same actual weight, but the volumetric weight of each is different from the other, as the volume of cotton will be much larger than the volume of iron.
In this article, we will discuss the concept of volumetric weight in shipping and how to calculate it, the reason for the increase in volumetric weight of parcels and shipments, and the differences between it and actual weight.
What is the Actual Weight of the Shipment?
It is simply the real or physical weight of the shipment, and it means the amount of its weight in kilograms or other weights used by shipping companies.
Therefore, it is easy to determine the actual weight because it is a direct measure of the mass of the shipment body, and it is calculated based on approved shipping weights using specialized scales to measure the shipment weight.
What is Volumetric Weight in Shipping?
Volumetric weight in the field of shipping is related to the dimensions of the shipment or parcel, and it expresses the way in which the amount of space the shipment will occupy on the various means of transport used in the shipping process, whether these means are land, sea, or air, is measured.
We would like to point out that volumetric weight is also called Dimensional Weight and is no less important than the actual weight of parcels, as shipping companies need to know both weights to calculate shipping costs for shipments accurately.
What is the Difference Between Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight?
In reality, there are some subtle differences between the volumetric weight and the actual weight of parcels, and we can summarize these differences in several points:
The actual weight represents the real weight of the parcels, which is known through approved scales, while the volumetric weight expresses the space the shipments will occupy according to their dimensions inside the various means of transport.
The volumetric weight of the shipment is known through the use of certain mathematical formulas, while the actual weight is known after packing and packaging the shipment by placing it on an approved digital scale.
Shipping cost is determined by specialized companies based on the density of the shipment in volumetric weight, while it is determined by kilograms in actual weight.
The question now is, when is the actual weight used instead of the volumetric weight when calculating shipping cost?
The actual weight is usually used if the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of the shipment, so that shipping fees are applied based on the actual weight in this case.
The Relationship Between Volumetric Weight and Shipping Cost
Shipping cost is directly related to the volumetric weight of shipments. In the past, logistics companies calculated shipping costs based on the actual (real) weight of the shipment, but it was noted that some light shipments occupy a large space inside the means of transport used in the shipping process, which may force them to reduce the number of shipments transported at one time due to consuming a large space of the means of transport.
For this reason, companies invented an additional measure, which is the "volumetric weight," to rely on when calculating shipping cost. It is worth noting that shipping cost increases with the increase in the volumetric weight of shipments, and the reason for this is that shipments with a large volumetric weight consume more space inside the means of transport, which reduces the total number of shipments that can be shipped via the used means of transport.
Logistics companies usually rely on calculating shipping cost based on the real or actual weight of the parcels, but they use the volumetric weight if it is greater than the actual weight of the shipment to provide a fair cost.
How to Calculate the Volumetric Weight of a Shipping Package?
The volumetric weight of the shipment or parcel is calculated by multiplying the length of the shipment × its width × its height, then dividing the result by the volumetric conversion factor (DIM).
⚠️ Please note that the volumetric factor may differ from one shipping company to another, but the majority of shipping companies rely on the number 4000 as a standard volumetric factor for land shipments, and 6000 for air shipments.
Here is an illustrative example: suppose you have a shipment with a length of 50 cm, a width of 40 cm, and a height of 30 cm, and you want to ship it by land. So the volumetric weight of this shipment is the result of: 50 × 40 × 30 / 4000 = 15
So the volumetric weight of this shipment is 15 kg
Do you want an easier way to calculate the shipping price taking into account the volumetric and actual weight of the shipment?
Well, at Oto, we provide our customers with a shipping price calculator through which you can enter the shipment data, dimensions, and weight to calculate the shipping price taking into account all the factors affecting the shipping price, including the volumetric weight.
After entering all the necessary data and clicking the Show Shipping Options button, the different shipping alternatives available in Oto will appear based on the data you entered and according to the actual weight and volumetric weight of the shipment, as shown in the screenshot below 👇
You can now create a free account in Oto and use the price calculator freely and completely free of charge and benefit from the multiple shipping options offered by Oto, and customized shipping solutions that suit all businesses of different sizes and needs.
⚠️ Important Note:
If the shipment contains more than one box, the volumetric weight is calculated based on the sum of the dimensions of all the boxes, and not on the basis of each box individually, meaning calculating the dimensions of all boxes with one equation, where all dimensions are measured and summed together as shown in the following image:
Reason for Volumetric Weight Increase and How to Reduce It
As we mentioned earlier, an increase in the volumetric weight of parcels means an increase in shipping cost, but what is the reason behind this increase?
Well, the reason behind the increase in the volumetric weight of your shipments is the method used in the packing and packaging process. The method followed may be wrong and does not fit the nature of the products being packed for shipment. For example, you may use very large boxes and the products inside only occupy a small space, which increases the shipping cost unnecessarily.
To overcome this problem and reduce shipping cost, it is necessary to pack and package shipments professionally according to a scientific method that guarantees you to reduce shipping costs and deliver parcels safely and with the best possible quality.
To reduce the volumetric weight of your shipments, you can:
Choose the smallest possible package that fits each item inside the parcel so that it does not occupy a large space, and avoid choosing large boxes to pack your shipments to reduce the dimensions of the parcel and thus occupy less space inside the means of transport and consequently reduce shipping costs.
Balance between low-density items and high-density items and combine them inside your parcel to ensure the creation of a balanced shipment in terms of weight and dimensions.
Is there a Difference Between Net Weight and Gross Weight of Shipments?
Of course, yes, there are some fundamental differences between net weight and gross weight, and we will summarize these differences in several points as follows:
Net weight refers to the weight of goods or raw materials before they are packed and packaged, while gross weight means the final weight of the shipment after it has been packed and prepared for shipping.
Net weights are fixed and do not change, unlike gross weights, which are variable depending on the nature of the shipment, the method of packing and packaging, and other factors.
The net weight of the shipment represents the weight of the packed containers, while the gross weight represents the weight of the shipment plus the weight of the truck used for transport.
A Collection of Some of the Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unit of Volumetric Weight?
It is a unit of measurement used to determine the volumetric mass of the shipment, representing the relationship between the shipment volume (in cubic centimeters or cubic inches) and its actual weight for pricing purposes in shipping. It is usually calculated using the formula: Length × Width × Height ÷ Constant Factor according to the shipping company. This unit is used to compare the volumetric weight with the actual weight, and adopt the larger of the two in calculating the shipping cost, which ensures fair pricing and efficiency in utilizing spaces inside the means of transport.
What affects the Volumetric Weight of the Shipment?
The element that affects the volumetric weight of the shipment is specifically the dimensions of the shipment, i.e., its length, width, and height. The larger the dimensions of the parcel, the greater the volumetric weight, even if the actual weight is light. Also, the type and method of packaging play an effective role in this matter, as bulky or loose packaging may noticeably increase the dimensions, which increases the volumetric weight. Likewise, the volumetric factor approved by the shipping company affects the final calculation, as the smaller the factor, the greater the calculated value of the volumetric weight. Therefore, carefully managing the shipment dimensions and choosing appropriate packaging are decisive factors in reducing volumetric weight and the associated shipping costs.
How can I reduce the Volumetric Weight of my parcel?
To reduce the volumetric weight of your parcel, you should focus on:
Choosing a box of suitable size for the product and ensuring that it fits the dimensions of the product without large empty spaces that increase unnecessary volume.
Using lightweight packaging materials such as air bubbles or light wrapping paper instead of thick heavy materials that increase the volumetric weight.
Arranging the products inside the parcel in a compact way so that spaces are utilized smartly, which reduces the external dimensions of the parcel.
Using padding only as needed to protect the product, and avoiding exaggeration that may lead to an unnecessary increase in volume.
Using flexible and compressible materials such as air bags, which contributes to reducing the dimensions of the parcel during shipping.
How can I find out the dimensions of my parcel?
To find out the dimensions of your parcel:
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the length, width, and height in centimeters or inches, making sure to measure from the outer edges of the box, not the inner ones.
Then accurately record each dimension, making sure to measure after the parcel is closed and ready for shipping, as any changes in packaging may affect the final dimensions.
Conclusion
It can be said that volumetric weight and actual weight constitute an important aspect of the shipping and transport process, as they are used to determine shipping cost and estimate the volume of shipments.
Although volumetric weight is used in some cases, actual weight is considered the main factor in determining shipping cost most of the time. Senders, recipients, shipping companies, and transport services must handle these concepts carefully to avoid any problems or excessive costs in the shipping and delivery process.
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