Why volumetric weight exists
A transport van has limited space. A small, heavy parcel (a box of books, say) takes up little room. A large, light parcel (a duvet, a box of soft toys) takes up lots of room, even if it barely weighs a few kilos. Volumetric weight makes sure the price reflects space as well as kilograms.
How it’s worked out
- Measure the parcel in centimetres: length, width and height.
- Multiply the three numbers together.
- Divide the result by 5,000.
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 5,000
Example
A 60 × 40 × 40 cm box has a volume of 96,000 cm³. The volumetric weight is 96,000 ÷ 5,000 = 19.2 kg. If the same box actually weighs 8 kg, the price is based on the volumetric weight, not on the 8 kg.
The calculator does the same sum: enter the size and see the result under “How was this calculated?”.
What chargeable weight is
Chargeable weight is the weight the price is based on. Usually it’s the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight.
How to pay less
- Choose a box that fits, without lots of empty space.
- Soft items (clothes, duvets) can go in vacuum bags so they take up less room.
- Several small items often fit in one well-packed box.
Where to see the calculation
In the price calculator, enter the weight and size, then press “How was this calculated?” on the result. You’ll see the actual weight, the volumetric weight and which one was used.