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Understanding Volumetric Weight
Why dimensions and gross weight are both important for freight quotes.
Why dimensions and gross weight are both important for freight quotes.
What is volumetric weight?
It is a size-based measure used by some carriers to price space used by a shipment. The divisor depends on carrier, service and units.
A simple example
If an illustrative carrier uses (length × width × height in cm) ÷ 5000, a 50 × 40 × 30 cm carton has a volumetric weight of 12 kg.
Why both weights matter
Many services price using the greater of actual weight and calculated volumetric weight. The carrier’s rules govern.
Improve quote accuracy
Send all three dimensions and the actual weight for each piece; do not assume the example divisor is your carrier’s rate.
Educational guidance only. Actual carrier requirements, pricing methods and customs rules vary by shipment.