Blog: Actual or volumetric weight: which one is heavier?

Actual or volumetric weight: which one is heavier? Sometimes weight is not merely about pounds.

You've probably heard of the following concepts. Actual weight and volumetric weight. But what does that mean and what is the difference between the two?

We often receive questions from our customers what exactly is volumetric weight is and what the exact purpose is. In this blog I will explain you what the volumetric weight is and you need to take into account if you want to send a parcel by courier express. In this example we will send a parcel containing two bricks with a total weight of 5kg. These bricks are put inside a box with dimensions 60x40x40 cm.

Actual weight

If you want to send a parcel by courier services like TNT Express, DHL or FedEx, the shipping rate is always based on a certain weight combined with a destination you ship to. The weight what is calculated, may be what the scale indicates, called the actual weight or it may be the weight according to the dimensions of the parcel called: volumetric weight. If your shipment has a weight of 5kg according to the scale, this means the actual weight is 5kg. Actual weight simply means, the weight the scale shows and what you experience when you lift the parcel.

Volumetric Weight

It may also be that the volumetric weight is used to determine the shipping costs. Density is the counterpart of the actual weight (what the scale shows you, remember?). In the word volumetric weight is embedded the word "volume".

You can determine the volumetric weight of your parcel package as follows. Multiply Length x Width x Height in centimeters and then divide it by a certain factor. Air cargo / airfreight transport companies use factor 6000. Express courier services like TNT Express, DHL and FedEx use factor 5000. Suppose you want to send a parcel with dimensions 60x40x40 cm by a courier express company. The volumetric weight you simply calculate by: LxWxH in cm dividing by factor 5000. In our example the volumetric weight is: 60x40x40/5000 = 19.2kg. To calculate, just check our volumeric weight calculator.

What's the difference?

To determine the shipping rate, we always use the highest weight. In the example the weight of the parcel containing the two bricks in accordance with the scale is 5kg. The volumetric weight was 19.2kg, so we use the 19.2kg to determine the shipping rate. This 19.2kg is the highest weight compared to the actual weight. In theory, this means that your package could be filled until the scale indicates 19.2kg (actual weight). This would allow you to profit the fullest from the dimensions of the package

The actual weight is what the scale indicates. The volumetric weight is based on the dimensions of the parcel in cm divided factor 5000 or 6000. Courier companies simply want to know how much space your parcel needs in their aircraft.

Why do we set the highest weight?

Because all of our shipments are transported by road and air, each parcel needs a certain space in a truck and an airplane. This space should be used wherever possible to transport parcels most efficiently. Therefore, our carriers will always check the space needed to transport your shipment. This is the way a shipping rate will be determined.

Actual or volumetric weight: which one is heavier?

As you can see either the actual weight or volumetric weight is used to determine the shipping rate of your parcel. The dimensions of your shipment can result in a higher shipping rate. We allways advise you to take a close look on the package you use. If you have unused space, you might consider using a smaller box in order to get a lower shipping rate based on either actual weight or volumetric weight.

If you need any advice on how to pack your goods and be able to profit from the fullest of the type of package you use, simply use our Live Chat to contact one of our logistic specialists.

We’re happy to offer you advice on how to save on your international shipping costs using ParcelParcel.com online parcel delivery services.