Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight are important measures in the shipping industry, used to determine shipping costs based on the size and actual weight of the parcel.

  1. Actual Weight:
    The actual weight is the physical weight of the parcel, measured using a weighing scale. This is the weight shown when the parcel is traditionally weighed on a scale.

  2. Volumetric Weight:
    Volumetric weight (or dimensional weight) is a measure based on the parcel’s size rather than its actual weight. It is used when a parcel is light but large, meaning it occupies significant space during shipping. In such cases, volumetric weight becomes the primary criterion for cost calculation.

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight:
To calculate volumetric weight, you need to know the parcel's three dimensions (length × width × height) and convert these dimensions into weight units.

The following formula is commonly used:

Volumetric Weight=Length×Width×Height/Conversion Factor

The conversion factor depends on the shipping company and the system being used, but common factors are:

  • Air Shipping Conversion Factor: 5000 (in meters)
  • Sea or Land Shipping Conversion Factor: 4000 or 6000 (in meters)

Example Calculation:
If a parcel has dimensions of 60 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm:

60X 40 X 30 / 5000 = 14.4 Kg

How to Determine the Cost:
For shipping, the higher value between the actual weight and the volumetric weight is typically used to calculate the cost. If the actual weight is greater than the volumetric weight, the actual weight is used, and vice versa.

Example:
If the actual weight of the parcel is 1.5 kg, but the volumetric weight is 14.4 kg, the cost will be calculated based on 14.4 kg.

In Summary:
Volumetric weight determines the cost when a parcel is bulky but light, while actual weight is used for denser parcels.