How Weight and Dimensions Impact Your International Shipping Cost

If you have ever sent something and have been aghast at the postage bill, know that you are not the only one. Most Australians are found to be shocked to learn just how much the international shipping rate can vary owing to two important factors: weight and dimensions. In this regard, whether sending a gift to relatives in the UK or shipping goods to clients abroad, it is best to know how couriers formulate shipping fees in order that it can save you some money and a lot of headaches.

This article explains how weight and parcellage size affect your for international shipping cost and gives the cool tips for saving costs on next shipping.

Why Weight and Dimensions Matter

Shipping cost is not only based on distance. Of course, it costs less to send something from Sydney to Singapore than to send it to San Francisco, but the weight and size of your parcel will weigh even more heavily in determining this final charge.

The carrier base their prices on what it will cost them to get your product from one location to another. Heavy and bulky parcels take up more room and consume more fuel in transportation. Hence, for example, a smaller heavy-weight package could be priced the same, or actually even more than a bigger light-weight one.

Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight

Here’s where things get a little technical but important.

Actual weight

This refers to the actual weight of the item as measured at the scale. Huh, really, just that: a 5 kg parcel, actually is a 5 kg parcel.

Volumetric (or dimensional) weight

This is a calculated weight based on the space your parcel takes up in a courier’s cargo hold. The formula most carriers use is:

(Length x Width x Height in cm) ÷ 5000 = Volumetric Weight in kg

So even if your parcel only weighs 3 kg, if it’s bulky, the courier might charge you as if it weighs 10 kg.

Most international carriers compare the actual weight and the volumetric weight—and charge you based on whichever is higher.

Example: How Costs Can Differ

Let’s say you’re sending two packages to New Zealand:

• Package A weighs 3 kg and measures 30 x 20 x 15 cm
  • Volumetric weight = (30 × 20 × 15) ÷ 5000 = 1.8 kg

  • Charged on actual weight (3 kg)

• Package B weighs 2 kg but measures 60 x 40 x 30 cm
  • Volumetric weight = (60 × 40 × 30) ÷ 5000 = 14.4 kg

  • Charged on volumetric weight (14.4 kg)

So although Package B weighs less physically, it’ll cost you far more to send.

Why Couriers Use Volumetric Weight

International transporters have tight restrictions on the amount of space available for transport and fuels. Every square centimetre in aircraft cargo is costly, and thus using volumetric weight, the carriers ensure they charge fairly for the space occupied by packages-including lightweight but bulky parcels such as pillows, packaging materials, or shoes, among others.

What Else Affects International Shipping Cost?

In addition to weight and size, other factors that determine shipping costs are:

• Destination country: Shipping is cheaper for nearby countries like New Zealand or Indonesia compared to the US or Europe.
• Shipping speed: Express services fetch higher costs compared to the economy or standard delivery.
• Customs duties: Some countries levy import duties that may be bundled with or listed separately from your shipping invoice.
• Packaging materials: Heavier boxes, excess padding, or irregularly shaped boxes tend to increase costs.

Tips to Reduce Your International Shipping Cost

Shipping internationally doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Here are a few strategies to help you reduce costs:

1. Use Correct-Sized Packaging

Never send a small item in a great big box. Use a box that closely fits the item with just a little padding for protection. Less padding means less weight when the courier goes to charge you penalties on “empty space” dimensional weight charges. 

2. Combine Your Shipments

If you send multiple items to a shared address, try to join them into one parcel. This will remove a few base charges and may contribute toward the weight-to-size ratio being more reasonable for you.

3. Compare Carriers

Using comparison tools or freight brokers can help you identify the most affordable option based solely on the weight and dimensions of your parcel since different couriers have differing pricing and dimensional weight formulas.

4. Weigh and Measure Pretty Well

Buy a digital scale and measuring tape. There could be slight discrepancies in weight and size reported that can cause additional charges later with the auditing service of a freight carrier.

5. Negotiate Rates if You’re a Regular Sender

However, if you send international parcels often- be it as a small company or online seller- approach the carriers for bulk rate discounts or open an account with them. Doing these would greatly slash your international costs in the long run.

Don’t Forget About Customs

Though not directly associated with the weight and dimensions, customs regulations in the destination country may affect the cost of shipping. 

Make sure to: 

• Label the contents as “Documents” or “Merchandise” 
• Provide an accurate value and description 
• Include a commercial invoice if applicable 

Failure to do so may cause delays, impose extra expenses, or lead to the return of the parcel.

Using Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are to be considered for bulky or complex shipments. They are international logistics specialists who, in most cases, would be able to get the best quotation for your needs, especially for parcels having aberrant measurements or weights. They also take on the paperwork, customs, and pick-up.

Final Thoughts

For anybody shipping parcels over the border, understanding the relationship between weight and dimensions and their effect on international shipping cost is very important. Whether the shipping involves commercial goods or personal items, knowing the intricacies of how couriers charge can lead to savings on your part.

In short: 

Know both the actual and volumetric weights of your parcel.

• Pack wisely; try not to waste space.
• Compare carriers.
• Be aware of customs rules.

The next time you are getting a package ready for overseas delivery, always keep in mind that minimal space taken equals lesser weight to lift from your pocket.

Author: Stella Jean