Volumetric weight for international shipping

[Ondra]

Hi everyone,

I just need a help with international shipping and volumetric weight.
As I'll need to ship loads of parcels abroad I've come across a volumetric weight. It seems pretty straight forward (length x width x height in cm divided by 6,000, sometimes 5,000). What I'm interested in and not sure about is, whether couriers apply this volumetric systems to each country in the exactly same way. Let's say I want to ship to the USA - volumetric weight is worked out as a length x width x height / 6,000. Next time, I want to ship to Australia or EU with exactly same courier and this time, the volumetric weight is length x width x height / 5,000. Is it possible? Do couriers use same equation to figure a volumetric weight across their own range of services (ie. express delivery, economy delivery) for different countries?


Thanks for your time.

 

[Pandybearse]

Hi,

yes all companies are different.

You will need to check with your account manager

Paul

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Different couriers use different multipliers!

 

[P4D | Parcels4Delivery]

Hi,

Each carrier sets their own volumetric weight limitations differently, but they are the same for every country within those limits.

So, you might notice a difference in price between carriers.

Also, most carriers measure volumetric weight as though the parcel were fitted inside a rectangular shape, but some measure it by shape - so some may measure cylinders as cylinders, not as rectangles. This too will result in a different price.

Our system retrieves all this information automatically as part of the instant quote system, so you don't need to hurt your head thinking about it! ;o)

Hope that helps,

Nat

 

[Ondra]

Ok, thanks everyone for your comments. Just one last thing - by common sence, when a courier uses for their service a volumetric weight and also has a limit on maximal weight of a parcel, they refer to the volumetric weight, not a normal weight, right?

At the same time, when there is no volumetric weight applying to their service, the maximal weight limitation refers to normal weight as it is.


Hope I do understand it right.


Thanks everyone, much appretiated!

 

[Pandybearse]

OK let's make this simple.

Courier will always use highest number. Work out true and volumetric weights - True weight = 6kgs Volumetric weight = 3kg you get charged 6kgs (and vice versa). They need to generate as much revenue as possible and who can blame them. That's it.

 

[Ondra]

OK let's make this simple.

Courier will always use highest number. Work out true and volumetric weights - True weight = 6kgs Volumetric weight = 3kg you get charged 6kgs (and vice versa). They need to generate as much revenue as possible and who can blame them. That's it.

Yeh, this makes sence Thanks

 

[APC Nexday Overnite Ltd]

http://www.nexdayovernite.co.uk/news/volumetric-why-do-we-do-it/ I've written a blog, article, scenario on volumetric - let me know as to what you think.

 

[IanDade]

All parcel companies have slightly different calculation tools for volumetric weight.

However, when it comes to charging they will charge you for whichever is higher, the volumetric or actual weight.

 

[APC Nexday Overnite Ltd]

Ours is length x width x height / 6000 other carriers do it by 4000 or 4500.... this in turn prices their customer's consignments higher in weight, leading to of course higher costs.