International Shipping: Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
International shipping fees are determined by comparing the 'Actual Weight' and the 'Volumetric Weight' of a package, charging for whichever is greater. Volumetric weight represents the amount of space a package occupies.
1. Volumetric Weight Formula
The standard formula used by international air carriers is:
(Length [cm] × Width [cm] × Height [cm]) ÷ 5,000 = Volumetric Weight [kg]
Note: Some express services or specific forwarders may use 6,000 as the divisor. Always check your service provider's policy.
2. Practical Example
A light item weighing 1kg can be expensive if the box is large.
- Box Dimensions: 50cm x 40cm x 30cm
- Calculation: (50 × 40 × 30) ÷ 5,000 = 12kg
- Outcome: You will be charged for 12kg rather than the actual 1kg weight.
3. Tips to Save on Shipping
- Box Removal (Shoe Box Removal): Removing original branding boxes for footwear and shipping in polybags can significantly reduce volume.
- Repackaging: When consolidating items from multiple stores, request 'Repacking' to discard oversized boxes and fit items into the smallest possible single carton.
- Use Forwarders with Weight Discounts: Some forwarding services offer 'Volumetric Weight Exemptions' or discounts for specific items like toys or luggage during promotions.